Visiting your dentist is just as important as checking in with the doctor. But for some reason, only 65% of Americans go to the dentist. Without regular dental checkups, you raise your risk of oral cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Some Colorado residents avoid the dentist because they don’t have a practice they can trust. The good news is there are plenty of dentists in Colorado. You just have to take the time to find your perfect match.
Let’s discuss why oral care is essential, and how to find the perfect dental practice for you.
Why Is Oral Care Essential?
Regular dental checkups are crucial if you want to live a healthy life. Preventative dental visits play an essential role in keeping your entire body healthy.
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Plaque buildup and tooth decay have severe effects on your heart. There may even be a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
During your dental visit, your dentist will:
- Inspect your teeth and gums for early problems
- Clean plaque and tartar
- Look for cavities
- Perform x-rays
- Test for oral cancer
- Check your head, neck, and lymph nodes for abnormalities
- Provide advice specific to your needs
- Answer any questions you may have
Oral care is an essential part of keeping your body healthy. Without regular dental visits, early problems cannot be detected. You should be seeing your dentist for preventative checkups every six months. To receive top-notch oral care, you’ll need to find the perfect dentist.
How to Find the Perfect Dentist
What are the steps to finding the perfect dentist in Colorado? Start by creating a checklist to understand what you need from your ideal dentist. Then move onto online research and consulting with family and friends. Finally, make sure your new dentist accepts your insurance or offers payment options that fit your needs.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
First things first, before you begin your search, make a list of what you’re looking for. The list will become a guide to finding a perfect match.
Start with location. Determine a mile radius, county, or town where you need your dentist’s office to be located. Ideally, you want a practice close to home or work. If you suffer from a dental emergency, you’ll want to get to your dentist as quickly as possible.
Next, consider hours of operation. Write down hours that would best accommodate your schedule. Determine if your lifestyle requires a dentist that operates late-night, early mornings, and weekends.
Continue creating a list of requirements based on what you need from your dentist. Other factors to consider when choosing a dentist are:
- Dental qualifications and experience
- Equipment used
- Cleanliness
- Emergency dental arrangements
- Fees and payment plans
- Appointment cancellation policy and flexibility
As you continue your search for the perfect dentist, your checklist will help you determine which practice is the best fit.
2. Conduct Online Research
Once you know what you want from your ideal dental practice, it’s time to start your research. The internet is the best tool for finding plenty of offices within your target region.
Start with a local Google search. Try typing “dentists near me” and set the appropriate location into Google. Or, you can search for specific regions, such as “dentists in Glendale, Colorado.”
Once you have a few names of local dentist practices, start researching each one. Check out the different websites to learn about each practice’s hours, standards, and fees. Note each dentist’s educational background, experience, and the number of years the practice has been operating.
After you’ve learned more about each practice, it’s time to hear what current patients think of your potential new dentist. Read online reviews from present and past patients to learn more about how the practice treats its customers. Google and Yelp are excellent sources to find honest reviews.
3. Ask Your Network for Advice
Next, it’s time to consult with your network. Friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances can give excellent advice based on their own experiences. If you have a few Colorado dental practices in mind, ask around to hear about others.
Facebook has an excellent new recommendation tool that allows your network to give you feedback and help in your decision-making process.
Go to your Facebook page and create a post. Under the post, there are options such as Photo/Video and Tag Friends. To the right of these buttons, there should be three dots. Click the dots to reveal a drop-down menu.
Select the Ask for Recommendation button. The tool will automatically ask you to identify a location. Type in what type of recommendation you’re seeking (such as dental practice). Once your post is complete, it will show your Facebook network you’re looking for feedback and recommendations for good dental practices in a specific region of Colorado.
4. Make Sure They Are Compatible With Insurance
Finally, once you have narrowed down your selections, there is one more factor to consider. If you have dental insurance, your dental practice must accept it.
Most dental practices should list their insurance policies on their website. If you’re still unsure, give the office a call. Explain your situation and discuss your options with your potential new dentist. If your insurance isn’t accepted, then that dental practice isn’t the right match for you.
If you do not have dental insurance, discuss payment options with your new practice. Most dental offices have payment plans and financing options for those without insurance. Discussing these options is an essential step in determining the best dental practice for you.
Top-Notch Dentists in Colorado
There are numerous dentists in Colorado, but it’s up to you to find the perfect match. You want a dentist who is experienced and qualified to handle your needs. As a patient, you want to feel comfortable and confident in your dental practice.
If you’re searching for a top-rated dentist in Glendale, Colorado, we’ve got your covered. Cherry Creek Dental offers comprehensive dental care using state of the art technology. Contact us to learn more about our dental practice.