Are you looking for a family dentist in Cherry Creek? With over 200,000 dentists practicing in the US, oral health is something we care about as a nation. But to get all the family to take care of their teeth, you need a dentist they’re all comfortable with. And choosing the right one can seem a daunting task with so many people to please. That’s where we come in! Keep reading for these 7 tips on choosing a family dentist that’s right for you.
1. Qualifications and Experience
When you’re looking at options for dentists, make sure you research their qualifications. Some practices will display this information in their office windows.
Usually, this information will be on the practice website, so you can check it out there. It’s important you pick a dentist with experience in family practice. They should be able to look after all your family’s oral health needs.
If you need specialized care, it’s vital you find out if a dentist has experience in that area too. This saves the time, hassle, and expense of a referral to another dentist if something tricky comes up.
And most important of all, you want to make sure they’re licensed to practice in Colorado. At this stage, you’ll want to check they have the right insurance, too, for peace of mind.
2. Quality of Services Provided
When looking for a Cherry Creek family dentist, this should be at the top of your priority list. Especially if you have young children, the dental care experience you get is vital. It’s what will encourage children to take care of their teeth, so it needs to be a great experience for them.
The best way to find out about the quality of a service is to ask other patients about their experiences. Checking out a dental practice’s references and reviews online is a good place to start.
Most of the time, patients will give honest feedback. But don’t let a few bad reviews put you off; this isn’t always an immediate red flag. Read the issues in full to understand what the problem was (it could have been an innocent mistake). Also, see how the practice responded and rectified the issue.
You want a practice with helpful, prompt, and accurate customer service. Do they have your health at the forefront of their concerns, and will they take your opinions on board?
How flexible are their opening hours if that’s something you’ll need? If they shut early in the afternoon, are they open earlier in the morning so you can go before work? Make sure to pick a Cherry Creek dentist who operates in the hours that are convenient for you.
3. Communication
Make sure you find a dentist that is easy to talk to and provides you with all the information you need. A dentist that only checks your teeth and tells you when you need a procedure won’t be the best for your oral health. Even worse if they rush you through visits, leaving you feeling like a number.
See if you can actually hold a conversation with a dentist when making your choice. Ask questions, and see if they answer in easy-to-understand terms. You should always feel that you are given all the facts and that your dentist takes your input on board.
4. Services on Offer
When looking for a family dentist, try to find one who will provide all the dental care your family needs. It can be costly and stressful to manage to go to different dentists for different care.
Also, especially for younger family members, it can be daunting to switch dentists. Once you have a family dentist who makes you feel safe, it’s not easy to trust another professional you don’t know.
When meeting with them, ask for a full list of services. If there is something you’re interested in, don’t be afraid to ask if they provide it. While you may need to compromise, it’s important you sign up with a dentist that gives your family what you need.
5. Environment
A clean and tidy office is essential if you want a good family dentist. Nothing will put off your children faster than a dirty or unwelcoming atmosphere. The last thing you want to do is give your children a reason to worry about going to the dentist.
If the office isn’t well maintained, how can you be sure the dentist doesn’t cut the same corners in their work?
6. Approachable Staff
The experience your family will have at the dentist isn’t only about the dentist.
A friendly reception staff can go a long way to making your whole family feel at ease when visiting the dentist. These are the people you will be calling to book appointments and will interact with your family. They need to be welcoming and courteous and treat your family’s medical records with respect.
7. The Emergency Procedure
From time to time, we all have a dental emergency, it’s a lot more common than you’d imagine. Make sure that you choose a Cherry Creek practice that has solid measures to respond to an emergency.
How do you book an appointment for this? Is there a separate line you need to call? What immediate pain relief can they provide if treatment can’t happen right away?
While asking about this, also ask what services they offer for patient comfort. A lot of people suffer from dental anxiety, so it’s important to know your family members are in good hands.
Choosing a Family Dentist: It Pays to Get It Right
So, there you have it! Now you know these 7 tips for choosing a family dentist, you’re on the way to getting the right one for your family.
Check out the reviews online, and don’t be afraid to phone up with any questions you have. The right family dentist will be more than happy to talk to you, show you the practice, and explain what they offer. This is an important decision, so take your time and find the right fit for your family’s needs.
If you’re looking for a family dentist in Cherry Creek, contact us today. At Cherry Creek Dental Group, we’re the one-stop-shop for all your family dental needs.