There are now over 197,000 professionals employed in the US dental industry. If you’re searching for a great Greensboro family dentist, it helps to have a plan first. Otherwise, you might choose a new dentist who doesn’t suit your family’s needs.
Here are a few tips that can simplify your search. After reading this guide, you can feel confident in your choice of dental care.
Find the right family dentist for your family with these tips today.
Talk to Parents
You’re not alone in worrying about your family’s dental hygiene. Talk to other parents in Greensboro and ask if they can recommend a dentist in the area. Learn from their experiences with other dentists to narrow down your options.
As you start building a list of referrals, consider asking those Greensboro parents about their firsthand experiences. For example, you might consider asking:
- Is this the only family dentist you’ve visited in the area
- What makes this dentist your top choice
- Are they experienced
- Do they have expertise regarding children’s oral development
- Have you encountered problems with the dentist
- Where is their practice located
- Are they professional and kind
If you’re new to Greensboro and can’t gather referrals, start searching for a new dentist online instead. Look for parent reviews by checking the practice’s website, Google Business profile, and BBB listing. Find a dentist that already has a glowing reputation among Greensboro patients.
You can feel more confident taking your family to a dentist who already has a strong reputation. If the dentist has a number of complaints against them, remove them from your list.
A dentist who already has a glowing reputation will want to keep that reputation by prioritizing their patients.
Don’t jump to choose a new dentist based on a personal recommendation, though. Instead, make sure to use the below tips to gather more research. Doing your due diligence will ensure your family receives the best possible care.
Consider Proximity and Availability
Once you have a list of local dentists to review, pull up Google Maps. Determine where each practice is located. Try to find a practice near your home, work, or child’s school.
If your child’s appointments are scheduled before school, you’ll want to get them from their appointment to class as quickly as possible. If there’s an emergency, you won’t want to drive an hour away for help. Instead, look for a practice that’s near your home.
Next, check the practice’s operating hours.
Determine if their availability suits your needs and schedule.
Check the practice’s website to determine if they offer emergency dental services as well. If they do, determine if they have extended hours.
You can never plan for a dental emergency. Knowing the dentist offers emergency services and hours can give you peace of mind. You’ll know your child can receive emergency care when they need it most.
Make sure to double-check the practice’s emergency policies. Know what counts as an emergency ahead of time.
Qualifications and Experience
Before choosing a dentist, look into their qualifications.
Determine where they went to school and confirm they have a degree. Confirm that they graduated from an accredited institution, too.
It’s not enough to find a dentist with a degree, though. Instead, ask if they’ve continued their education over time. These dentists remain informed about new techniques, procedures, and technologies.
Remaining informed about dental care can indicate they’re prepared to offer top-notch services. A dentist who is behind, on the other hand, is likely using outdated techniques and practices.
Determine how long the dentist has practiced, as well as how long they’ve owned their own dental practice. Find a dentist with years of hands-on experience treating patients. These dentists can leverage their experience to offer a higher standard of care to patients.
Finding a long-established dental practice ensures the business functions smoothly as well. These teams know how to work together to offer the best services to patients.
Otherwise, a new practice might still have issues with operations, including billing or scheduling issues that can impact your experience.
Review Their Services
Consider what services the practice offers as well. For example, family dentistry services can include:
- Fillings
- Sealants
- X-rays
- Teeth cleanings
- Dental checkups
Find a practice that offers a range of services based on your family’s needs. For example, perhaps a member of your family needs orthodontic care.
Over 13% of the children in the US have untreated dental cavities. Routine checkups can help you prioritize your child’s dental health through preventative dentistry. You can help your child avoid a cavity before one develops.
Look for Modern Technology
In order to offer the best services, a dental practice should use modern technology. If the practice is using technology from the 1980s, you might not feel comfortable trusting them with your family’s dental care.
Up-to-date technology can ensure comfortable, pain-free treatments.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule an appointment with two or three of the local dentists on your list. Have a list of questions you want to ask prepared ahead of time. For example, you might want to learn more about the dentist’s qualifications or services.
During the appointment, pay attention to the dentist’s demeanor. Look for someone who is friendly, inviting, and able to put you at ease.
If they make you uncomfortable, chances are your child won’t feel comfortable, either.
Talk to Your Insurance Provider
Determine if the dentist’s practice falls under your dental insurance plan. If not, ask the practice if they offer financing options. For example, perhaps they accept Care Credit.
Don’t make a decision based only on costs. Instead, review your notes to make an informed choice.
Find the Best Family Dentist in Greensboro, NC Today
The right family dentist will benefit your family’s dental care for years to come. Use these tips to narrow down your choices. Then, select a dentist with your family’s needs in mind.
You don’t have to keep searching. We’re here to help Carolina smiles!
Contact our offices today to schedule your next appointment.