Choosing the right dentist for you and your family is a challenge, with many factors to consider before making a final decision. Of course, it’s important to first evaluate what factors mean the most to you and your family, including pricing, location, and accessibility. For instance, some individuals don’t mind driving a considerable distance for the best services available. What you’re looking for in a dentist will depend on a few different things, so it’s important to do your research and keep your options open.
The things to consider before picking a dentist for your family are similar to things you may consider before selecting a general practitioner or a school for your children. We all want what’s best for our families and kids, and it might be helpful to see what others in your community are saying about some of the options you’re considering. Here are a few factors to keep in mind while searching for the right dentist office for your family.
Dental Insurance Plan
Not everyone has dental insurance, but if you do, it’s critical to see what dentists in your area are covered by your insurance plan. If you’re looking to save money, it definitely pays to do your research about your dental insurance coverage before making an appointment with a dentist who potentially won’t be paid for by your insurance. You can usually do this easily online by searching through your insurance company’s website, or you can call the dentist office in question and inquire about whether or not they accept your insurance plan.
Location of Dentist’s Office
The location of the dentist you’re looking at might not be an issue for you, but it could be a huge hassle in the long-run. If you ever run into serious dental issues, you might regret your decision to go with the dentist that is an hour-long drive away. Finding a dentist that is native to the area they practice in can be extremely beneficial, partly because they are familiar with the financial needs of the community, but also because they likely have an emotional tie to the residents in the area. Finding a dentist you can bond with will build rapport and help you feel more comfortable when you have to go in for a teeth cleaning or procedure.
The Community’s Response and Reviews
Although we already mentioned this, it’s worth repeating: it helps to know what the community’s response is to the particular dentist’s office. This goes beyond simply how well the dentist performs his job, but also how well the office functions as a whole. Managing the business side of dentistry involves pleasing customers on many different levels, and having an accurate understanding of these problems in the words of their customers is priceless. Simply go online and look at yelp and google reviews pertaining to the dentist and their office functionality.
Background and History of the Dentist Office
Going with a dentist office that has a long background in dentistry can give you great peace of mind. Generally-speaking, dentist offices that have been around for a long time typically provide more reliable services to their clients—otherwise it’s safe to say they wouldn’t still be in business after all those years! Don’t be afraid to ask about the dentist’s education and background in his or her profession.
Dentist’s “Bedside” Manner
One of the best ways to determine if a dentist will fit your needs or not is to evaluate their bedside manner. Once you’ve gone through all the above considerations, you may want to schedule a consultation appointment with the dentist and observe his or her behavior and response to your questions. If you feel comfortable in the office, you are more likely to return.
Their Dedication to Ongoing Education in Dentistry
One of the most important factors when considering a dentist office to attend for your dentistry needs is their dedication to ongoing education in their field. With new advancements in technology surfacing each year, it’s important to choose a dentist who continually educates himself or herself on the evolution of the practice of dentistry. The Dental Group of Simi Valley is comprised of Drs. Herschel Berger and Laura Jen Kin, husband and wife duo. Their office is family-run and has provided affordable dentistry for the residents in and around Simi Valley, CA, since 1963. With excellent customer reviews, they continue to educate themselves in the field of dentistry so that they can provide their clients with the best, most cutting-edge services. To schedule an appointment or simply speak to a professional, please call the office directly.