If you’re on the hunt for a great Fairfield, CT, dentist, for yourself and/or your loved ones, asking well-thought-out questions can help you find the right practice. What matters most to you? In addition to a convenient location and accepting new patients, what’s important? What matters most to you?
These five tips will help you get started, but take time to brainstorm your own questions. Or meet with your family and ask what they want from a dentist. When you find a great family dentist, you’ll never want to change.
In today’s blog, we’ll provide you with excellent questions on the following topics, so you can find a Fairfield, CT, dentist you love:
- Dentist’s Education
- Dentist’s Experience
- Personality of Doctor and Team
- Office Atmosphere
- Insurance, Payment Options, and Fees
Dentist’s Education
To learn about a dentist’s formal education, experience, and continuing education, visit his dental practice website.
All general dentists will have a degree, either a DDS (doctorate in dental science) or DMD (doctorate in dental medicine, or of medical dentistry). Some dentists also complete residencies, working under the supervision of other dentists. In addition, some dentists will have undergone specialist training.
For instance, Dr. Horblitt is a prosthodontist, so he has additional formal, postgraduate education and specialized experience in evaluating, planning, and reconstructing difficult or failed cases.
Dentist’s Experience
Consider, do you want a young doctor or a veteran? Or someone in the middle of his or her career? On the practice website, the doctor’s biography should state how long he or she has been practicing. You may also find a before-and-after gallery of cases to showcase the dentist’s work.
Ask the dentist if he has digital x-rays, which expose patients to 80-90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Ask about laser dentistry, minimally invasive treatments, and preventive practices, as well.
The bottom line is, choose a doctor who makes you feel confident in his or her care.
Personality of Doctor and Team
This is a big deal, right? If the personality of your dentist and his or her support staff don’t suit your liking, you’ll never want to visit! You need a dentist who makes you feel confident, respected, and appreciated. Furthermore, when you call the office or visit the front desk, you need to feel welcome.
Read Google Reviews about the dentist. (Type into search the doctor’s name, state, and the word Google. The right column in results should feature the Google Local listing with reviews.) Dentists with lots of positive reviews probably have a pretty awesome personalities! However, only you can determine whether a dentist’s personality feels right for you and your family. An initial consultation is the best way to find out.
Office Atmosphere
Though a dental practice’s atmosphere is best evaluated in person, you can often find a virtual office tour on the practice website and some images posted on a Google Local profile. But atmosphere involves more than just how an office is designed and decorated. Most importantly, you want a clean practice where the dentist and staff create a relaxed, friendly environment.
Insurance, Payment Options, and Fees
You may need a dentist who accepts your insurance, charges reasonable rates, and/or offers payment options for larger cases. With a quick phone call, you should be able to learn whether a dentist accepts your insurance and will file claims on your behalf. Most practices will not share rates, other than the new patient visit fee, over the phone.
Dr. Horblitt is Your Fairfield, CT, Dentist
If you call a dentist’s office and don’t feel respected, or you visit an office and it isn’t as clean, friendly, and welcoming as you deserve, just leave. There are many dentists to choose from in the Fairfield area, and we invite you to explore our website to learn about Gary Horblitt, DDS. Then give us a call today at 203-335-1011 to reserve your new patient exam and consultation with Dr. Horblitt, DDS, your Fairfield, CT, dentist. Our patient-focused, professional staff looks forward to serving you and your family!
