Every member of your family deserves excellent oral care designed to treat their unique needs. The fantastic news is that there are dental offices that accommodate specifically for families. Family dentists offer many services in a single location for patients of every age.
Here are four factors to consider when choosing a family dentist:
1. Flexible Financing Options
In recent years, financial barriers have stopped many Americans from visiting the dentist. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 1 in 5 adults cannot afford dental care. This statistic is startling because people of all ages are encouraged to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Frequent dental visits reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other systemic diseases developing throughout the body.
To close the gap of unaffordable dental care, some dentists offer flexible financing, including:
- Insurance: Check with your dentist to see which insurance plans they accept.
- In-house dental plans: If you do not have insurance, you can still have discounted dental care with an in-house dental plan. Most dental plans contain regular dental check-ups and sometimes additional discounted services.
2. Education and Training
In the United States, dentists have to attend accredited dental schools, pass board exams, and graduate. However, the learning does not stop here. Because dental technology and best practices are constantly changing, dentists are encouraged to continue their education after graduation.
Here are some questions that you may want to ask your new family dentist regarding education and training:
- What are the dentist’s education and credentials?
- How many years has the dentist been in practice?
- Do they take part in continuing dental education?
Also, it’s important to note that not all dentists work with children and may instead refer them to a pediatric dentist. If you have children or plan on having them, choosing a family dentist is an efficient, time-saving option.
3. Office Culture
Visiting the dentist should be a positive experience. The atmosphere and culture are just as important as services provided in pursuit of a dentist. Before committing to a family dentist, look around the office and ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable in this office?
- Will my family feel relaxed and safe?
- Are the staff members friendly and supportive?
When the entire family feels more comfortable in a dental clinic, they may have a more positive association with the dentist and are less likely to skip appointments.
4. Patient Reviews
From selecting a new restaurant to your next pair of sneakers, online reviews are valuable to consumers. Sparkling patient testimonials and online reviews play a massive role for patients seeking a new provider. When looking for a family dentist, consider the following actions:
- Ask around. Past and current patients are good resources.
- Search on Google for dentists with 5-star reviews (with over 100 reviews).
Here are some quotes of our past patients:
- “If you have a fear of dentists, come here… They are beyond nice, being so considerate…”
- “Best dentist for creating your dental plan.”
- “Best dentist I’ve been to my whole life. Friendly and caring. My 3-year-old boy and 5-year-old girls like going as well.”
Meet with a Family Dentist in Lombard, IL
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud treats children as young as six months to seniors and every developmental stage in between. At our practice, our knowledgeable team offers a wide range of dental care services:
- Preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry
- Children’s and geriatric dentistry
- Periodontics (gum health)
- Dental extraction
- Invisalign®
If you are interested in conveniently treating your entire family at our dental office in Lombard, IL, call us at 630-629-5700 or request an appointment online today.
