Dentists Grand Rapids: What you should know - What you need to ask

When choosing a Grand Rapids Dentist there are a series of questions you need to ask your prospective dentist. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine which dentists have the right combination of payment options, skill sets, and dental specialties to give you the best dental services possible.

The following is a list of questions you should ask when first contacting a dental office. In most cases, the administrative staff within a dental office should be able to answer these questions in one simple phone call.

1. What dental insurance plans does the dentist work with? Also, in a follow-up question, be sure to ask how payments are handled and when payments are expected. For example, ask are payments due when services are rendered? Or does the office typically bill the insurance company first with you paying the remaining balance of the bill after the insurance company payment?

Many offices bill the insurance company first requiring no immediate payment from you when the dental service is rendered.

2. Does the dentist perform the kinds of services you need? For example, you may want to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry or a pediatric dentist for your child. The fact is there are many different dental specialties and not all dentists are trained to perform all specific specialized dental procedures.

3. How are emergencies handled? Be sure to take note of who to contact and how to contact them during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

4. Are the location and hours of the office convenient for you?

5. How long is the wait for non-emergency appointments?

6. What are the fees for typical services such as x-rays or a preventive dental appointment that includes an oral exam and teeth cleaning?

7. Are payment plans available? More extensive dental procedures can be costly. Make sure you understand how flexible the prospective dentist is in working with payment plans should that be required.

8. If you get butterflies in your stomach when thinking of going to the dental appointment, ask if the dentist specializes in working with patients who are nervous about dental procedures and if he or she offers nitrous oxide to help patients relax.

Getting the answers to these questions can help to enhance your dental experience when choosing dentists Grand Rapids.