Questions to Ask When Going to a New Dentist

Your dental care provider is someone you need to trust. If you need to change your dentist because your current one is retiring or you have moved to a different location, the task of finding a new one can be challenging.

In this article, our dedicated team at Lakeview Dental Clinic in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, explains what questions you should ask a potential new dentist to help you make the right choice.

Questions to Ask Your New Dentist

Location and Office Hours

Although details concerning the location and office hours of the clinic are usually available online, it is a good idea to confirm them to see if they fit your schedule.

Availability

Find out if new patients are being accepted at the dental clinic and what their policies are when it comes to dental emergencies to ensure their availability fits your needs. 

Experience

Feel free to ask about the dentist’s training and experience before you make your decision. Someone with years of practice will instill more confidence. 

It also helps to know their area of specialization, such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or pediatric dentistry. Learn more about what the dentist performs and what they delegate.

Dealing With Anxiety

It is important to know how the dentist deals with dental anxiety, especially if you intend to seek consultation for your children.

Treatment

Gauge the dentist’s willingness to give tips for at-home dental care or explain the details of different dental treatments and procedures by asking about them. Also seek information on how the dentist handles patients with anxiety or special needs and the safety protocols they have in place for COVID-19. 

Insurance

Insurance plays an important role in getting dental treatment. Ask the dentist what treatments are covered by your insurance plan and whether their dental clinic routinely works with your insurance provider. Familiarity with their policy will facilitate treatment.

Look for References

Online reviews are not always authentic. See if the dentist can provide references from actual patients.

The responses to the above questions will shed some light on the kind of service provided by the clinic or the dentist in question and will help you decide if he/she is suitable for you and your family’s dental needs.

To learn more about the questions to ask when going to a new dentist, contact Lakeview Dental Clinic at (208) 664-0884 or visit us at 801 Milwaukee Dr., Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814.