An important task that usually falls on Mom or Dad is choosing a family dentist from the wide selection of Denver dentists. But where to start? Denver has plenty of great dental offices, but you should consider what’s most important for your family. In today’s blog, we will cover tips for conducting your search and questions to ask when selecting a dentist.
Location, Location, Location
Denver covers 154 square miles and has many suburbs. US News Health tells us that there are 2057 general dentists in Denver. The Colorado Dental Association has over 3500 dental professionals and states that this is 68% of Colorado’s licensed dentists. So while we don’t know exactly how many Denver dentists are available to serve your family, we know that the immense number of choices can seem overwhelming.
First and foremost, consider selecting a dental practice on or near your daily driving route. You’re more likely to attend checkups, cleanings, and restorative appointments if your dentist’s office is conveniently located.
How to Find Conveniently Located Denver Dentists’ Offices
Pull up a Google Map of your home address and trace the routes to work, school, and the shops you frequent, then type “dentist” into the search. You’ll see map pins of all the dental offices on or near your travel route. Click the map pin to reveal the name, location, and contact information for each dental practice.
In some cases, you may have to travel off your beaten path for special services, like implants or treating cancer patients.
Next, finish reading this blog, then visit the websites of the local dentists on your route. The rest of this blog will help you determine the most important questions to ask when interviewing a dentist’s practice.
Your Family Members’ Unique Needs
Do you already know your family members’ oral health care needs? Not all general dentists are the same, meaning their service offerings, technology, patient comfort methods, and atmosphere vary widely among Denver dentists. Here are some questions to ask your potential family dentist. Be sure to add questions about your family’s known dental needs, as well.
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Does the dentist see kids and adults, or just adults?
Some dentists prefer to treat teens and adults but refer younger patients to a pediatric dentist, a specialist in children’s dentistry. If your little ones can sit relatively still for dental visits, a specialist may not be necessary. Metro Dental Care serves children, teens, and adults.
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What hours and days is the office open?
Some dental offices are only open Monday through Thursday from 9 to 5. Others are open on Friday, schedule early-morning and late-afternoon appointments, and schedule special procedures, like surgeries, on Saturday.
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Does the dentist have digital dental X-rays?
Digital X-rays subject patients to only 10% of the radiation traditional X-rays require.
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What preventive services are offered for adults and children?
While checkups and cleanings are similar among dentists, not all dentists offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants. For kids, dental sealants are an important preventive measure to ward off cavities.
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What cosmetic treatments are offered?
If you’re interested in veneers, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic procedures, ask which treatments are offered.
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Does the dentist place and restore dental implants?
If you or a loved one need replacement teeth, ask the dentist if implants and implant-retained bridges and dentures are offered. Some general dentists do not place and restore implants; they refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for the procedure, then the general dentist provides the appliance after the implant sites heal.
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If applicable to your family, does the dentist provide care for special needs patients?
If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer treatments, have dementia, or are otherwise disabled, ask about the dentist’s experience with similar patients.
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Does the dentist provide full-scope periodontal (gum) care?
If you or a loved one have significant gum disease and require gum grafts and surgery, a specialist may not be necessary. At Metro Dental Care, for instance, we provide periodontal patients with gum grafts and gum surgery onsite.
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Does the dentist accept your dental insurance? Is he in-network or out-of-network?
If you have dental insurance, you may want to select a Denver dentist who accepts your coverage. Your out-of-pocket will be less if you select an in-network dentist, but you may want to consider an out-of-network provider if the service, services, and location better suit your family’s needs.
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Does the dentist see emergency cases?
If you wake up with a nasty toothache, chip or knock out a tooth, or experience another dental emergency, your family dentist should make room in his schedule to see you the same day, if not immediately.
Choosing a Provider from Denver Dentists
At Metro Dental Care, we provide above-and-beyond service for patients of all ages and with all conditions. We take time to learn about our paitents and their unique wants and needs, and our dentists stay on top of the latest developments in treatments, technology, and patient comfort measures. Call Metro Dental Care today at 303-534-2626 or schedule your dental visit online.
Located at 1400 Glenarm Pl., Suite 200 in Denver, CO (80202), Metro Dental Care is accepting new patients now.
