If you want to find a new dentist, it is important to find someone who is a professional in their field. Therefore, you must first make sure of his education, experience and reputation among patients. It is equally important to consider your needs, potential problems, budget and other factors that will influence the decision. It would be kind of you to inform your previous dentist about this, although you are not obliged to explain to him why you are leaving.
Either way, it’s a polite gesture that will mean something to them. Don’t forget to transfer your dental records. It is also necessary to do a lot of paperwork, which includes new X-rays, because the new dentistry must have the most accurate picture of your dental health. So, before you find a new expert, do your research.
1. Insurance
Source: interdent.com
One of the most important items is insurance. Before you completely decide on a new dentist, make sure that he accepts dental insurance. Failure to do so may result in embarrassing situations. We’re sure you don’t want to end up with unforeseen visitation costs. Some procedures involve a hefty bill. Your dentist may not accept certain insurance providers and check this item in time.
It is best to make a list of dentists who accept your insurance, and then start narrowing down the list. Also, don’t completely trust the information you find online. Regardless of what it says that dentistry and insurance provider cooperate, their relationship is prone to change.
2. Reviews
There are a number of reviews available online that will be of great use to you. For example, you can engage in various discussions on forums, groups, organizations on social networks and many other platforms. There are many respectable websites where you can check review. Depending on your area, look at a few available reviews before making a decision. Focus more on comments than ratings.
For example, Aspen Dental reviews like here https://aspen-dental.pissedconsumer.com/review.html suggest you that you should avoid that place.
Even if you don’t find a lot of reviews, we are sure that any information will be useful to you. Remember that this is about your health and finding the right specialist who will maintain your oral hygiene. This is not a process that involves only two or three steps, you need to look at all the available options before deciding on a particular dentist.
3. Informing the old dentist
Source: forbes.com
While this is not an easier part of the process, be honest and open. There are many reasons why people change their current dentist. It happens that you simply find a bigger professional, better staff, hygienists, a doctor’s office or you want a different opinion.
4. Release form
For example, you have found another dentist and you think he will suit you better than your current one. In that case, you should check with your dentist. The verification process includes references, consultations and other types of research. Once you have done that, you can sign the release form. Otherwise, you will not receive health information from the previous dentist. This is a safe way to share your medical history. Probably small copying fees, administrative fees and some other trifles are involved in this process.
People usually go to the same dentist every year, and in that case there is probably an extensive record of visits and examination information. When looking for a new dental practice, this information is of great importance to you. Before you do this, it is important that you feel confident in your decision. You need to find someone who will take proper care of your oral health.
5. Dental x-rays
Source: brynmawrdentist.com
When you switch to a new dentist you will probably need to get a new set of x-rays. Of course, you won’t need new scans if you only had your teeth scrubbed a few days ago. However, if it’s been a few weeks since the last scan, your dentist will require fresh x-rays. He will see your teeth for the first time, which means that he will want to have a new picture of your oral health with him.
Images that are several months old will not provide him with the necessary information, because the condition of the teeth often changes. This requires frequent updates. Think of this as an opportunity to create a better personalized oral care routine. The office will help you get an insight into all the risk factors when it comes to oral health. In addition, you will receive information about time frames for new treatments and much more. Sometimes you will do an admission questionnaire so that no details are left out.
6. Consultations
It is advisable to schedule a consultation with a new dentist as soon as possible. As you prepare your paperwork, focus on communicating with a new professional. This is especially recommended for those who change dentists during treatment. For example, if you have been in dental care for a long time, wearing a prosthesis or something else, think about your next examination. He is relatively close, but now he will undergo new dentistry.
In addition to medical documentation, you need to do an examination. Depending on whether you want to start from scratch or continue where you left off, talk to your future specialist about treatment or oral health. Give him a chance to get better acquainted with your problem, expectations and dental history.
Conclusion:
Think carefully about what you want for your oral health. There are many things to consider when changing dentists. This includes a lot of research, because that’s the only way to be convinced of his expertise. Even when you choose a new dentist, there is still work to be done.
Depending on whether you want to start from scratch with a new dentist or continue where you left off, you will need to enclose your previous medical history. You will also have to terminate the contract with the former dentist, but first of all do not forget to check if your insurance covers a new service.
