Smart Questions To Ask A Dentist

After you have narrowed down your list of potential dentists, call their dental offices to learn more about the services they provide. Here are some helpful and astute questions to guide your discussion:

• Let the dentist know about any specific needs you have, and the services you require.
• What hours is the dentist available? …and how are dental emergencies handled outside those hours?
• What’s the dentist’s policy about canceling appointments or missing an appointment?
• Does the dentist suggest several treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and drawbacks so that you can make informed decisions?
• What fees are charged for routine services such as dental x-rays, fillings, root canals, sealants or fluoride (for children), tooth cleaning, bridges, caps and crowns?
• When will payment become due? Some dentists might provide the option to create payment terms when the charges will be greater than a specific amount, so that your dental payments can be spread over a period of time instead of having to pay in one lump sum. While it may be tempting to use a credit card to charge your dental bills, the interest costs can become an even greater financial burden down the road… particularly if you already have cashflow concerns.
• If you are covered by dental insurance, does the dentist participate in your dental plan? Otherwise, will you need to submit claim forms to your insurance company before you get your money back?
• Ask the dentist to explain the overall goals of treatment. Ideally, he or she should be committed to both your appearance and your overall health. If one or the other doesn’t appear to matter, you might want to consider looking for another dentist.

In the US and Canada, dentists typically place emphasis on dental practices and services which prevent dental problems or which permit their early detection. For instance, dentists will recommend teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a regular basis (typically twice a year); and x-rays be made of teeth for early detection of caries (cavities), infections, or gum disease (the frequency depends on your individual health needs). If signs of dental decay are discovered during an exam, most dentists will recommend that any problems be fixed without delay rather than holding off with treatment. Again, dentists stress treating the problems early to prevent further oral decay.

As a dental patient, you have the right to attentive and cordial care; to be informed about the dental treatments to be used, the expected pros and cons of all treatment options; and to be given an estimate of costs of each option.

Feel free to ask your dentist questions if you need more information and to ask a second time if you do not understand the explanation you were offered. The same as with medical care, you and your dentist share the responsibility in making decisions about your dental treatment options and your oral health.

If you are not satisfied with the dental care you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can certainly express your concerns to the dentist; call your state or local dental association; or contact your insurance office to discuss the matter. Remember, you also could always look for a different dentist to ensure your teeth remain healthy.

As the acclaimed Mayo Clinic states: “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn’t just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body.”

Please don’t take your oral health for granted.