Industry Tips
Dentist, Choosing A
Dental hygiene involves conscientious personal dental care and visiting a dentist for a cleaning and check-up twice a year. When choosing an office it is important to find out about all charges, including missed appointments. This is especially important since most dental plans will not cover them. Also it is entirely appropriate to ask about typical charges for routine services like fillings, x-rays, or even infection control. It is equally appropriate ask for estimates before you authorize any procedure, routine or otherwise.
Next ask what services are provided at this office, such as orthodontia - for children and adults, emergencies, oral surgery, etc.
Visiting a dentist twice yearly is so crucial that many insurance plans even require it as a condition of enrollment. If you are enrolled in such a plan, these visits are often covered at 100%. If you have the option to compare plans, consider items like deductibles, co-payments, and payroll deductions for enrollment. Then look at what services are covered and for how much. Most dental care providers will accept most dental care plans but it is important to confirm this.
Ask about billing procedures and how and when credits from your dental plan will be applied and when your co-payment will be expected. Since dental work can be expensive, most dental services offer low cost dental payment plans.
If going to the dentist seems out of reach, consider these options:
-Many children are eligible for free dental sealants at their school. These sealants are proven to reduce cavities significantly. Call, ask, and complete the permission form.
-Contact your local health department to get a list of dentists who will provide service with your medical card.
Keep your teeth for a lifetime. See a dentist.
