One Other to Do When You Relocate: Find a Dentist

posted on 30 December 2010 | posted in Health and Beauty

While it's not usually on the same footing as turning on the utilities or signing the kids up for school, being able to find a dentist is an important part of ensuring your family's well-being when settling into a new community. Let's face it, even if that check up with the family dentist back home might work out every six months, how convenient will it be to return for a dental procedure next week?

Just like a trip to the dentist's office itself, finding a local dentist doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. Finding a dentist who suits your needs can be as easy as an Internet search away. Some websites even provide a form to speed your search along. These pages often use a drop down list for prospective patients to select a location, type of provider, insurance, even the reason for an appointment. Some websites even allow you to make an appointment entirely online. Keep in mind, however, that the list of providers may not be inclusive for the location you are searching.

Another resource to consider is the state's dental association. These are easily accessed online and most have a number of resources to help connect patients with dentists in their locale.

In the interest of convenience, some dentists who maintain their own website include a page devoted to printable forms for patient history, a notice of privacy practices, a patient financial agreement and treatment consent form.

But while the Internet can furnish you with everything from a map to the offices of- and glowing testimonials about the dentists in your area, it's important to flesh out the advertisements with opinions from the folks in your new neighborhood. Asking about a good dentist might not seem like over-the-fence conversation, but chatting with more established neighbors about everyday concerns is a great way to get past the billboards and pop-ups.

Make a List

Identifying your family's dental needs can be a great time saver when searching for that perfect, painless dental practitioner. Some factors to consider include:

* Office hours (Are evenings, weekends, and Saturdays covered? How are emergencies outside of office hours are handled?)
* Payment options (What type of insurance does the office accept? Are payment plans available? Is information provided about all fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled? Ask for estimates on some of the more common procedures, such as X-rays, oral exams and cleanings, and filling a cavity.)
* Demographics (Are children welcome? How about seniors? How are referrals handled?)
* Pain relief and relaxation techniques (Does the practice use general anesthesia, laser treatments, or cater to more specialized needs such as portable equipment for out-of-office visits?)
* Special concerns (Does the practice handle cosmetic issues, surgical issues such as extractions, sleep apnea, etc.? Is the practice equipped to make home visits, if necessary?)
* Missed appointments? (What is the dentist's office policy on missed appointments? Is there a charge involved?)
* Location (If transportation is a factor, how far of a trip is it? How will you get there?)

Check It Twice

Once you've taken inventory of what you expect to need from a dentist's services, you can begin to compare your points against the services advertised in your Internet or telephone directory searches. While it's important not to rush into a relationship with a new dentist, keeping your bite in good working order need not take much of a bite out of your time.