Whether it’s because your insurance has changed, you have moved to a new location, or you just want to change dentists, you want to find a dental office that checks all the boxes. Before you book your next appointment, here are five things you should check on to make sure you have a positive experience.

They accept your insurance

When searching for a new dentist, the first thing you should check is if they accept your insurance plan. Dental care can be expensive, and if your insurance doesn’t cover it, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket for dental care. Before booking an appointment, call the dental office to find out if they take your insurance, or you could call your insurance provider and ask them if the dentist you’re looking into takes your insurance.

Multiple service options

Find a dentist with a complete list of services to avoid needing to be referred to another dentist. You wouldn’t want to visit one dentist for a filling but then have to travel elsewhere for a root canal. Instead, it’s preferable to attend the same dental office for all your routine procedures. This makes it easier for your dentist to access any notes about your teeth or medical history. Also, look for a dentist that treats patients of all ages so you can have the convenience of taking your kids there or your senior parents.

Cancellation policy

Accidents can happen, and emergencies can come up on the day you have a dentist appointment. Typically, dental offices will charge a cancellation fee, but if it’s your first time canceling or it’s an emergency, the dental office will give you a warning. Check with the dental office on what their cancellation policy is, so you aren’t surprised if a bill comes in the mail.

Office environment

You’ll be spending a few hours at the dental office, so you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable while you are there. Visit the dentist’s office before you make an appointment to ask them some questions; you can even take the opportunity to ask about the services they offer and check out the waiting room while you’re there. Check if the temperature in the waiting room is comfortable, that the furniture is not rough, and that the room is clean and sanitized.

Good reputation

Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. You want to make sure the dentist you’re looking into is well-qualified and experienced. When visiting the dentist, you can ask about the dentist’s qualifications. Another way to verify the dentist is a good fit is by reading reviews from current patients. Reading reviews can help with answering questions or ease your doubts about selecting the dentist.

We recommend doing a bit of research before you schedule your next appointment. Visiting a dental office knowing that they meet all your needs ensures that you have a good experience. Once you have booked your appointment with your dentist, you may want to research some dental health-related questions to ask them. Lucky for you, we did the leg work for you! Download our free checklist that has the top 10 questions you should ask your dentist.