Once you’ve made your selection, schedule a visit. When you arrive, talk to the office staff about your dental benefit plan. If your plan uses a special claim form, be sure to bring one with the patient/employee portion already completed. The staff will probably have forms for you to fill out. These forms gather information about your medical and family history as well as information about your dental plan, so they can bill appropriately. Make sure you disclose all medical problems including any allergies you may have and all medications you are taking.
On your first visit you will probably be able to decide if you’ve made a good choice. There are some important things you will be able to determine before you even see the dentist. Observe carefully: does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly? Is the office staff (e.g., receptionist) pleasant and helpful?
Because a trusting relationship between you and your dentist is so important, you may want to reserve time to ask questions during the first visit. Make sure you understand the answers, or ask for further clarification.
- Will the dentist develop a treatment plan for you and discuss it with you on a regular basis? Will the dentist provide treatment options?
- How often does the dentist update your medical history?
- If needed, does the dentist utilize sedation; if so, what kind of sedation?
- Are patients carefully screened for periodontal disease?
- Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided - either by the dentist or the hygienist?
The questions you ask are important, but it is also important to use this time to decide whether you are comfortable with the dentist’s manner. For example, do you find him or her easy to talk to and easy to understand? Does he or she seem happy to answer questions? Is the practice a high-volume operation in which the dentist rushes from patient to patient? These dentists may be unwilling or unable to spend extra time with you if you need it.
If you’re dissatisfied with the dentist’s answers to your questions or uncomfortable with the dentist’s manner, consider using another dentist from your list. You need to feel comfortable with your decision.
