Did you know that everyone has a unique set of teeth the same way that everyone has unique fingerprints? Have you been meaning to find a dentist in the Highlands Ranch, CO area? Maybe you just moved to the area, and you’re wondering how to find the best general dentist for you. Maybe you’re experiencing tooth pain, and you have to get it checked out. Or perhaps you’re overdue for a dental checkup. Check out this guide to Highlands Ranch dentistry to learn tips for how to find the best dentist for you.
General Dentist Overview
Wondering what is a general dentist? A general dentist is a dentist you visit as your primary care dental provider.
A general dentist will manage, diagnose, and treat your overall oral health. This includes teeth cleanings, care for your gums, fillings, and crowns.
A general dentist has either a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree.
Consider Your Insurance
One factor when looking for a general dentist is your insurance. You can start by looking for dentists in your area that take your insurance.
You can call the dentist’s office to see which insurance plans they accept. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can also check to see if the dentist offers any financing options.
Check Out Services They Offer
When checking out different dentists in Highlands Ranch, you should look at their website to see what services they offer. For instance, do they treat children too?
This can make it a lot easier for you. Instead of finding separate dentists for the adults and the kids, you can have a family dentist for everyone. You can also schedule appointments together to make visits more convenient.
Location
When looking for dentists, you can do an online search for dentist in Highlands Ranch. You should check the address of the dentist’s office before you make an appointment to make sure it’s at a good location for you.
Imagine making an appointment and realizing that the dental office is located in a busy location across town. That will make it less convenient for you when it’s time for a dental checkup.
Your Comfort Level
Do you have a fear of the dentist? It’s estimated that nearly 9%-20% of Americans have dental anxiety or fear. They might avoid going to the dentist because of their dental anxiety.
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, anxious, or scared, you should look for a dentist that understands your circumstances.
When you meet the dentist, you can talk to them about your anxiety. The dentist can help you be more comfortable. For example, you can come up with a hand signal to take a break during the dental visit.
Check Hours
Check the office hours of the dentist you’re interested in. Do they have hours that can accommodate your schedule?
For example, do they open early enough so that you can make an appointment before you start work? Or, do they have late hours that you can go to after work?
Check Out Online Reviews
Another way to learn more about a dental office is by reading patient reviews. Online reviews can give you a glimpse into a dental office. You can read about details such as wait times, how easy or difficult it is to schedule an appointment, or other information.
When reading online reviews, look for details that keep popping up. For example, do several reviewers write about the long wait times?
If there are any negative reviews, does the dental office respond to them in a courteous manner?
Ask for Personal Recommendations
Another way to find a nearby dentist in Highlands Ranch is to ask a neighbor, friend, or relative for a personal recommendation. A friend or family member can tell you why they recommend that particular dentist and what they liked or disliked about them.
If the person that is giving a recommendation lives in your neighborhood, you can ask them about the convenience of the dental office location.
For example, is it in a busy area? Is the parking difficult?
You can also ask about the environment and atmosphere of the dental office. Is the staff friendly? If you’re looking for a dentist for your kids, you can ask about the waiting room and whether or not it’s a fun, inviting place for kids.
Go for a Visit
When you do decide on a dentist, you can visit the office. You can make a consultation appointment with the dentist and bring a list of questions to ask.
When you do visit the dental office, gauge how you feel when you step into the office. Do you feel comfortable? Does the staff welcome you in a friendly manner?
When you ask the dentist questions, do they listen and respond to your concerns and answer your questions?
You can also ask any questions regarding your insurance plan and any financing options.
Final Thoughts on Highlands Ranch Dentistry
With the above guide to Highlands Ranch dentistry, you can narrow down your choices of dentists and pick the right dentist for you. Take some time to do the research and find a dentist that you trust and are comfortable with.
You want to build a long-lasting relationship with your general dentist for years to come.
Ready to experience great care? Schedule an appointment with our dental team at Meyer Dental today.