Good oral health is fundamental to good overall health. You may be searching for a family dentistry practice near you if:
You are new to an area
Are not in the routine of regularly visiting a dentist
Have young children who have yet to be cared for by a dentist
Are dissatisfied with your current family dentist
Here are a dozen factors to prioritize in your quest to finding the perfect family dentist near you:
- Proximity of practice
- Ease of visitation, accessibility
- Scheduling flexibility
- Affordability, insurance acceptance and financing options
- Your family’s specific need
- The dental practice’s scope of services
- Practice technology
- Office atmosphere
- Bedside manner, especially with children
- Experience, certification and credentials of the practicing dentists
- Referrals, Testimonials and Reviews
- Emergency Services
Getting consistent results has more to do with establishing good habits than relying on herculean effort during a crisis. In the long run, all-nighters are not as productive as attending class regularly and completing daily assignments.
When it comes to dental appointments, attendance is required to get good service. Select a dental practice where making appointments is plausible, if not easy. Transit time, public transportation options, parking ease, or scheduling flexibility should not be hurdles to attendance. Telehealth, where suitable, should likewise be considered.
Picking a provider that is too expensive is not sustainable. Look for practices that are in-network, work with multiple insurers, accept discount plans, or partner with reputable financiers.
If you or a member or your family have special needs, then identify suitable practices accordingly. Endodontics, prosthodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial radiology are among various specialties within dentistry. If you are not familiar with the differences, it may be best to start with a family dentist who can then provide a referal if needed.
Many dentists work with labs or specialists on an as-needed basis. Some dental offices are full-service or approach full-service by directly employing a variety of specialists. Some offices have a broader scope of diagnostic technology, such as specialized X-rays, or fabricating machines, such as 3-D Printers. Having more internal expertise or offering a quicker turnaround may not be prerequisites but may be worthwhile benefits for many.
Dental visits cause anxiety for some. Adults or children might have acute fears about certain dental procedures. Empathy and bedside manner might do more for positive health outcomes than some suspect.
Many dental procedures, such as a routine cleaning, are relatively straightforward. But there are always curveballs in life. More experienced practitioners – from dental assistant, to hygienist, to dentist – might identify certain challenges, such as a radial tooth fracture, sooner. ADA (American Dental Association) membership or BBB (Better Business Bureau) listings are certifications that provide credibility and inspire confidence.
If available, personal referrals are great. It is not always the case that someone you know has experience with a provider you need that is convenient to you. The unbiased testimonials of past or current customers can provide insights into what your experiences might be like with a potential provider. Look for providers that have a strong average rating from many customers over time – especially when detailed reviews are offered that are germane to your situation.
While you want to plan for routine, preventative services, accidents happen. When they do occur, you want to be able to go to your providers who know you for emergency services. Many offices may be closed on Fridays or weekends but offer services as needed for crisis situations.
If you find the best family dentist for your needs, it will probably be the start of a relationship that lasts for decades. At Briarcliff Dental Care in Westchester County, we cannot overemphasize the importance of finding the perfect family dentist near you. Get to know Drs. Carew, Ehrmann and Kim and their practice to see how well it fits with your family’s needs. Stop by our office on North State Road in Briarcliff Manor or book an appointment.
