Everyone in your family should go to the dentist on a regular basis. This helps find cavities and other problems in the mouth long before they become a major issue. Starting your children off at the dentist early will make a world of difference in their oral health for years to come. But what makes a good family dentist?
A good family dentist is a professional who is an expert in their field, someone you can trust, and someone who has knowledge of how to take care of the teeth of patients of a variety of ages. Finding a dentist with a good bedside manner, especially one who can work with children who may be a little scared of the dentist, can be good too. Parents should look for a dentist who will answer questions and listen to their concerns if any come up, recommends Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS., a local Long Beach dentist.
Finding a good family dentist is key to helping your whole family have healthy teeth for a lifetime. Let’s dive in a bit more to find out what makes a good family dentist.
Qualities of a Good Family Dentist
There are a lot of qualities that come with a good family dentist, which is why it can take some families a long time to find someone they are comfortable with. You have to consider the hours they are open, their location, and even whether they have the right personality to work with you long-term. Some of the things that you can consider when picking out a good family dentist include:
Personal Qualities
First, you want to take a look at some of the personal qualities of a good dentist. You want someone who is a good communicator and will listen to all of your questions and concerns during the visit. A dentist who will take the time to talk you through each step of the check-up and any treatment options can be useful, so you know what is going on.
You also want to choose a dentist who is compassionate and empathetic. Many people have anxiety about coming to the dentist, and you want to find a professional who understands that and will work with you along the way, making you feel comfortable any time you come to their office.
Honesty is another personal quality you should look for. While no one wants to hear a lot of bad news about their teeth, you also do not want a dentist who is going to lie to you and won’t let you know when it is time to get some work done to protect your teeth.
Location
Another thing to consider is the location. If your dentist is far away from your home or work, you are less likely to make the trek out there to see them. You want to pick a dentist who is easy to reach based on your own location as well.
Decide which location is the most important to you. Do you want them to be close to your home, so it is easy to make it to appointments from there? Would it be better if they were close to the school so you could pick up your kids quickly and get them to the appointment? Or maybe it is better for you to pick out a dentist who is close to your work.
At the same time, consider the hours of the facility as well. You may find that your schedule just doesn’t make it easy to attend appointments in the middle of the day. Choosing a dentist who would provide care on the weekends or in the evenings can be a smart decision too.
Insurance Coverage
You may also need to look at whether a dentist is covered by your insurance or not unless you plan to pay for the services out of your own pocket. Depending on the type of insurance that you carry, you may be limited on which dentists you are able to use.
Take the time to look through your insurance plan and see which dentists are considered in-network at the time. This can help limit some of your choices, and you can then take a look at which dentists on that list have good reviews or will do a good job taking care of the teeth of your family.
Choosing the Right Family Dentist for You
It is possible that you will need to shop around for some time to find the right family dentist for your needs. Taking the time to find a dentist who works well with everyone in your family and makes you feel like you are getting the highest level of care can make going to the dentist a little bit easier. Follow some of the tips above and see how well you can find the perfect dentist for your teeth.