Choosing your twin cities dentist can be intimidating at first. There are a lot of choices, and new residents or those who need to switch providers don’t always know where to start.
Frequently, people select their twin cities dentist through referrals from family, friends or co-workers. While this is a good way to ensure you’re finding a dentist with a good reputation, you should do a little research to ensure it is the right office for you with all the services you might want in the future.
Here are some tips to help you select your twin cities dentist:
Services and specialties
When choosing a twin cities dentist, you may want to evaluate each office’s services and specialties. Not all dentists have equal offerings. Some dentists may offer cosmetic dentistry that another dentist will not. At Gendler Dental Center, for example, we offer cosmetic dentistry that includes Invisalign braces, bleaching, porcelain veneers and more.
Even more important, however, may be what kind of philosophy your dentist has about medications. For example, Gendler Dental in Hopkins provides sedation dentistry, which is a medication that can relax a patient. But not all dentists have this available. If you or a child is especially anxious about dental visits or you have a child with disabilities who could benefit from sedation, make sure the dentist you choose is open to using those methods.
Consider your own convenience
Convenience can also be a factor in choosing a dentist. Look for a twin cities dentist who has office hours that will fit within your schedule, a location that is near your home or place of business so that attending your appointments will not be a huge hindrance (unless you have special needs that make it worth traveling further), and payment options that will work for you.
Other things to consider:
- Learn their policies on missed appointments;
- Make sure they participate in your insurance plan;
- Learn what you can about their fees and charges in advance;
- Find out how they handle dental emergencies outside of office hours;
- If you want to compare costs, ask for estimates on procedures such as exams, cavity fillings, cleanings and so forth.
The American Dental Association also has some suggestions for how to choose a dentist. If you take a just a few steps to learn more about your options, selecting the best twin cities dentist for your needs will become much easier.