Congratulations on finding a new dentist! Finally, there’s some end in sight to your persistent tooth pain, unrelenting bad breath, or nagging cosmetic concerns.
Well, not so fast!
No matter how competent a dentist may appear, it’s important to press them on certain issues before choosing their practice. Posing tough questions to a dental facility may also help you assess the viability of the recommended treatment.
Here are ten critical queries to ask your dentist.
Questions To Ask a New Dentist
1. Are you licensed?
All dental practices must be duly licensed. Operating without a valid license is the surest proof of an unprofessional clinic.
Therefore, the first question to ask a new dentist should relate to licensing.
Particularly, ensure the facility is licensed in its jurisdiction of practice. For instance, a reputable dentist in East Orange NJ would need to be licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.
While establishing a dentist’s licensing status, be sure to also check if their practice is currently under a disciplinary process.
You can check out that information on the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry’s public records of disciplinary actions. Alternatively, contact the Board directly through the phone number at (973) 504-6405.
2. How long have you been practicing?
Some dental practices enjoy decades of industry presence, whereas some are barely weeks old. You should naturally prioritize the former.
But don’t just focus on the sheer duration of existence. Establish that the dentist has been practicing consistently since graduating from a dental school.
For all you know, the person might have initially ventured into other careers and only set up their dental clinic much later.
3. What are your operation hours?
Certain dental clinics are open 24/7. However, others prefer to operate during the day.
Understanding when a dental facility is open can help with scheduling.
Besides availability, inquire about the dentist’s physical location.
Choosing a nearby practice can save you hours of long commutes. It’s even better if the facility is situated in a secure and accessible location.
4. Do you accept insurance?
Dental costs can run into thousands of dollars, depending on the type and severity of your condition. That underscores the significance of health insurance.
But not all dental clinics accept insurance payments. Many are also picky about acceptable insurance types, with some even discriminating against government-sponsored dental insurance like Medicaid and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Establish that a dentist accepts your specific insurance before choosing their facility. Otherwise, you may need to meet high dental costs out of pocket.
5. Do you offer emergency services?
Emergency dentistry targets severe dental issues. Commonly treated problems include;
- Throbbing toothache
- Persistently bleeding gums
- Knocked-out, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Cuts and lacerations
- Oral abscesses
- Damaged orthodontics
- Foreign objects lodged between teeth
Choose a facility that offers most (if not all) of these services.
The fact that emergency dental issues require prompt intervention underscores the significance of choosing a local dentist.
Questions During Dental Appointments
1. How often should I get a dental check-up?
The frequency of dental examinations varies, depending on your overall dental health.
But as a general rule, a professional dentist will recommend scheduling dental appointments once or twice a year. That’s regardless of whether you’re visibly in perfect dental health.
Routine appointments can help identify potential issues with your dental health and address them before they escalate.
2. How is my overall dental health?
Maintaining proper dental health is primarily an individual responsibility.
While regular check-ups are critical, understanding the state of your teeth and gums can help prevent dental issues and manage present ones.
Never shy away from inquiring about your dental status. Again, this is recommended even if you’re feeling perfectly alright.
3. How can I manage good oral hygiene at home?
Professional dentists will happily recommend at-home oral hygiene practices to help preserve your dental health. Those include;
- Brushing and flossing daily, preferably after every meal
- Using fluoridated toothpastes
- Practicing mindful dieting, such as eating more fruits & veggies and less sugar
- Avoiding tobacco
Keeping up with these habits can reduce dental visits, easing the global burden on dental healthcare.
4. Which dental technology does your practice use?
Dental technology is constantly evolving, and equipment that was deemed cutting-edge a decade ago may have since become obsolete.
Choose a dental clinic that uses advanced tools and equipment. This way, you can assess the effectiveness of each treatment before agreeing to it.
Newer dental technologies also tend to be comparatively safe. Besides, using advanced equipment speaks to a facility’s competence.
5. Are there risks to the recommended procedure?
Most dental treatments carry a considerable amount of risk. Even mere teeth whitening procedures can irritate the gums, causing bleeding.
So, it’s important to assess the risks involved before agreeing to a dental practice. A professional dentist would be forthright with this information.
More importantly, the dentist should outline available risk mitigation measures. These could include administering potent anesthetics ahead of each procedure or recommending alternative treatments altogether.
Wrap Up
Asking the above questions can ensure you’re choosing a dental practice that prioritizes your health and safety. It also helps to scrutinize the suitability of a treatment plan, thereby improving the procedure’s outcome.
As a parting shot, always trust your instincts before procuring any dental services. If a dentist’s claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.
Shun clinics that make over-the-top promises, as they’re likely only interested in your business.
