Your Dental Benefit Plan
If you have a dental plan, check to see if your plan requires you to choose from a list of participating dentists to receive benefits. Some plans require that you use a participating dentist. Some insurance plans allow you to choose an out-of-network dentist (i.e., one who does not participate with the plan), but often your benefit will be less.
Get Recommendations
Ask friends, relatives, and coworkers for recommendations. Are they satisfied with their dentist’s service and quality of care? Ask your family physician, pharmacist, and/or faculty members of a local dental school if they can provide suggestions. You may contact the local or state dental society for referrals; they’re usually listed in telephone directories under "Dentists" or "Associations." If you’re moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation.
You can also check with a dental network or referral service. These groups pre-screen participants, generally recording dentists' educational background, experience, and specialty. They can usually supply other information as well, such as a dentist who can speak a second language. Be aware, however, that some services only list dentists who pay to be included. To learn about a dentist’s credentials, you can check the American Dental Directory at your local library.
Narrowing Your Choices
After you’ve come up with a list of two or three dentists, consider how conveniently located they are. Are their offices near to where you live or work? If not, it may prove difficult to schedule and keep appointments. Next, call their offices and ask some preliminary questions. Some things you should know:
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What are the office hours—is the dentist available when you’re available?
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Does the practice accept your dental plan?
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Is payment requested at each visit or will the dentist file a claim with your insurance company and bill you for the balance?
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What are the fees for standard treatments (e.g., x-rays or cleaning)?
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Is information about fees provided before treatment is scheduled?
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Is the practice willing to set up a payment plan for more expensive treatments? Will they work with you to come up with a plan you can afford?
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Does the dental staff use universal precautions for infection control, such as gloves, masks, protective clothing and sterilized instruments and work areas?
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What is the protocol for patients who have emergencies during office hours, after office hours, or when the dentist is away?
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If you call the practice with a problem, can you speak to the dentist? Are there established times for calls to and from the dentist? Are telephone calls returned the same day?
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Are patients notified when it’s time for a checkup? Some practices will make a reminder call the day before a scheduled appointment; this can be a very helpful service.
