Are you looking for a local dentist in the Billings, Montana area? Well, keep in mind that it’s not just the big things that are important. Sometimes, the little things actually make the difference. Here are a few pointers to help you find a quality dentist you can count on for your oral care needs.
These are some suggestions from the American Dental Association (ADA) for finding a local dentist:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, colleagues and co-workers.
- Get recommendations from your local pharmacist of family doctor.
- If you’re looking for a new dentist because you’re moving to Billings, Montana, ask your old dentist for a recommendation.
- Contact the Montana Dental Association (MDA), your local chapter of the ADA.
Choosing a Dentist: Questions to Ask First
Your relationship with your dentist is technically a long-term partnership. For this reason, finding a dentist who makes you feel comfortable is very important. These are some of the questions you should ask in order to find the right dentist for you:
- How long has the Billings office been open for business?
- How long have the dentists been practicing in the local Billings area?
- What are the dental office’s hours of operation?
- Do they have hours that are convenient for you?
- Is the office easily accessible from your Billings home or office?
- Where were the dentists trained and educated?
- Does the dentist have an effective preventive dentistry program?
- How often do the dentists attend continued education courses, workshops and dental conferences?
- Does the office have someone on-staff who’s certified to administer anesthesia?
- Is there a procedure in place for taking care of dental emergencies that occur after-hours?
- Will you be notified of all payment plans and fees associated with your dental treatment before it’s scheduled.
- Does the dental practice accept your dental plan coverage?
- What’s the office’s policy on late or missed appointments?
- Can the dentistry provide estimates on procedures you need so that you can comparison shop first?
Evaluating the Office: Things to Pay Attention To
When you visit a dental office, be sure to pay close attention to the following during your evaluation of the practice:
- Is the office neat, clean and in orderly condition?
- Do all the equipment and surfaces in the treatment areas appear to be clean?
- Does the dental staff seem helpful and freely answer any questions you have?
- Do staff members wear protective gear, including gloves, when actually treating patients?
How to Find Dental Care for Special Needs Patients
If you’re looking for a dentist for someone with special needs, follow these tips from the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations:
- Let the dentist know about the special financial, health or mental issues.
- Find out whether the dentist has experience and/or training treating patients with your specific special needs.
- Ask whether or not the dental office is wheelchair accessible, or caters to your particular disability.
- Give the Special Care Dentistry Association a call at 312-527-6764.
- Call your local hospital dental department, or Billings dental school clinic, such as the Michigan School of Dentistry.
- Contact the Montana Dental Association (MDA) and ask to be directed to your local public health dental director.
Finding a dentist is as easy as opening a telephone directory. However, if you want to find a dentist who cares about your oral health, contact Bridge Creek Dental of Billings, Montana today.