subject: The Best Rancho Cucamonga Dentist [print this page] Choosing a dentist is a very important decision. You want to make sure you have an experienced and qualified dental professional helping your with all your oral health needs.
This guide gives you the tools you need to make an informed decision when choosing a dentist. Some dentists offer a free consultation or evaluation. This is a great opportunity to interview the dentist and to experience the way they conduct themselves and their business.
Here are our guidelines for questions to ask, and where to find more information about any potential dentist you might select:
Professional Affiliations
Ask about the types of professional dental societies the dentist belongs to. Some of these professional organizations require dentists to take continuing education classes to keep them up-to-date on the latest procedures and technological advances in the field.
Call or write your local or state dental society. Your local and state dental societies also may be listed in the telephone directory under dentists or associations.
For example:
Dental Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone
877-729-7789 (Toll Free)
916-263-2300 (Direct)
Fax:916-263-2140
Email:dentalboard@dca.ca.gov
Personal Recommendations
Ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, family doctor or previous dentist for their recommendation. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.
Experience and Expertise.
Ask about the duration of practice, special training, continuing education, referral process.
Ask about the extent of the dentist's training and clinical experience in performing the specific procedure you may require. You may want to investigate which dentists have the training and experience to perform the procedure that best meets your needs.
Respect / Interpersonal Relationship
Does the dentist appreciate that your time is important, i.e. show respect to you and your other commitments? How is their bedside manner?
Communication
Before committing yourself to a dentist, identify all the procedure options that would solve your general, or cosmetic dental concern. Ask about the pros and cons of each option.
Is the dental team friendly and courteous? You may not want to see a dentist long term if you don't feel comfortable with the dentist's team.
Consider the friendliness and helpfulness of the dentist and his/her staff. Are they willing to answer your questions and readily provide information.
Cleanliness
Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
Is the practice clean, tidy and hygienic? If you have questions on infection control are they answered?
Are instruments sterile? Does the dentist wear gloves and masks, and offer you protective eye wear?
Dental and Medical History
Does the dentist listen to and take your medical and dental history and act upon the information you provide?
Technology
Does your dentist use the most up to date technology, materials and procedures to provide you with the best possible treatment available?
Options and Estimates
Does your dentist present you with a range of treatment options and explain them so that you understand? Does the dentist run a practice that is prepared to give you pre-treatment cost estimates and inform you of variations as they occur?
Determine dental costs prior to treatment. Dental cost totals should include procedure fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. If you have dental insurance, chances are good that there will be some benefit coverage applicable to procedures such as preventative dental care (professional cleanings and exams) and amalgam fillings (the traditional metal fillings).
Less coverage may be available for composite fillings (which have an enamel-like finish) and restorative dental work such as bridges and crowns. Coverage for orthodontia varies among dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket costs are typically determined at the initial consultation.
Shared Planning
Does the dentist have a long term view of your dental health - with a plan which you arrived at together, including seeing you regularly to help maintain optimal health?
After Your Initial Visit
Positive Signs
1) They are prevention-oriented. 2) They chart their findings in detail.
3) They clearly outlines maintenance and recall schedule. 4) They take their time, paying close attention to detail as opposed to an assembly line approach. 5) Clearly outlines treatment options and risks and benefits associated with each
by: Mr. Ramalam
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