Deciding on the right family dentist is incredibly important. Proper oral health is the key to maintaining a healthy body overall, so by choosing the right dentist for your family, you can help keep your family’s oral health up to date. But when choosing the right dentist for you, it’s important to keep some factors in mind.
Financial
There are two key financial factors to consider when deciding on a family dentist: insurance and cost. Dentist visits can be incredibly expensive, so it’s important to plan around that financially. Make sure to check whether or not your prospective pick accepts your insurance plan, along with making sure that any dental plans within your insurance will cover the cost of the appointments and any procedures. Some dentist offices may have in-house plans for those without insurance; don’t be afraid to ask.
Additionally, even if your dentist does accept insurance it doesn’t hurt to get a good idea on their prices; there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pricing scheme when it comes to dentists, so they all have their own prices. Get an estimate from your potential dentist on the cost of standard procedures like fillings. Not only will you be paying at least partially for these procedures, it’s also important to make sure that your insurance can cover the costs.
Administrative
Another important factor to consider is the office’s location and its operating hours. Your ideal pick shouldn’t be too far and should be convenient for you to get to from your home/work. You should also make sure that the operating hours work for you; if you’re busy during traditional hours, for example, then look for offices open in the evenings and weekends.
It should also be easy to make an appointment; make sure to check on the dentist’s availability; nothing’s worse than being unable to schedule an appointment due to an overpacked schedule. The ability to do specialist referrals is also a bonus, especially if your insurance requires it.
Professional
A good dentist is one with a stellar reputation amongst both their fellow dentists, former patients, and the community. They should be family-friendly and have a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you enjoy going. Not only that, they should also have proper qualifications from professional associations and institutions, like the Canadian Dental Association or the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
Serving the Sarnia region, the Mackinlay-Slipacoff Dental Centre provides a wide range of dental services, from denture placement and dental implants to family dentistry to Invisalign and invisible braces. Doctors Fraser Mackinlay and Tyler Slipacoff, both with decades of professional experience, have recently partnered together and are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive dentistry possible while still maintaining the excellent dental service you love. The addition of Dr. Slipacoff means more in-house services and fewer referrals for you! Check out our website for more details on our services or get in touch with us today for further information.