by Aurora Family Dentistry | Feb 19, 2019 | Dental Clinic, Dentist
There are a number of things you should consider when choosing the person you are going to call your dentist. One of the best ways to find a dentist that you will love is to ask your friends and family. They are the most likely to give you an honest opinion and they will give you feedback that you can trust. You can also ask your doctor for recommendations. The ADA also offers a directory of dentists so that you will have a good place to start. Reading reviews that others have left will tell you a lot about a dentist and their practice as well, so it is well worth looking into. You may also be looking for a dentist for the rest of your family so be sure to bring them along when you check out your dentist office for the first time.
What Do You Want in a Dentist?
When deciding on a dentist, there are a number of things that you will need to think about. You should find out what the office hours are and whether the dentist office you are considering going with is close to you or not. Although it may not seem like a huge deal, if you need to get a lot of dental work done that requires multiple visits, driving across town can get old really fast. The gas also adds up as well. You may also want to find out if they offer anesthesia or not and whether they will offer care for emergencies. If you have private insurance, you will also need to know whether they are in-network or out of network as this can save you a substantial amount of money.
It is always a good idea to shop around and to find out what kind of payment plans are offered. Try to get some quotes on the cost of check-ups and other dental procedures. When it comes to first impressions, they can be telling. If the staff is not very helpful or not very friendly it could be an inclination that you will not like the dentist too much either. This is not always the case, but even if the dentists is a good one, you will be dealing with the staff to make your appointments and to give them your information and to do the billing, so they need to be pleasant to work with.
You Should Feel Good About Going to the Dentist
Your dentist should be convenient, and you should be able to ask your dentist and staff questions whenever you have any concerns. You should feel like a valued client and confident in your dentist’s ability to give you and your teeth the best care. Your dentist’s office should also be open when it is convenient for you to go to your appointments and it should be close to your place of work or home so that it doesn’t take you all day to get to your appointments.
by Aurora Family Dentistry | Feb 19, 2019 | Dental Clinic, Dentist
Without a doubt, proper dental care and oral hygiene is an essential part of overall wellness. Not only is it an important aspect of your health, it can help you maintain a beautiful smile and prevent major dental problems down the road. Interestingly, a lot of people who have dental insurance are often surprised by the out-of-pocket costs for certain services.
Dental insurance is unlike medical insurance in that it tends to be less comprehensive as it relates to the procedures covered. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why it’s often referred to as dental “benefits” instead of dental “coverage.” For example, healthcare insurance usually requires you to pay a deductible, after which any costs incurred are covered by the health insurance company. It’s a different story with dental insurance in that there is usually an annual limit that’s covered by the insurance company and you pay for any amount beyond that limit, which tends to average around $1,250.
If you require a procedure that costs $2,000, you might find yourself in a financial bind. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have to pay for any other dental procedures for the balance of that year. While the cost of dental insurance services has risen by more than 5% annually, the limits have not increased much for many years. If you’re someone who doesn’t have any major dental problems, then there’s a good chance that you’ll remain within the annual limit.
What happens if there’s an unexpected problem that requires a root canal or a crown? After all, you really can’t predict when you’ll have a dental emergency. You could essentially exhaust the annual limit in one visit, and still have a significant bill to pay. Despite the low limits and rising costs, less than 5% of dental insurance plan subscribers use their annual maximum – many believe it’s because of preventative care.
Studies have show that approximately $50 is saved for every $1 spent on preventative dental care. Most plans pay for the full cost of preventative care, which includes diagnostic services. A typical dental insurance plan will cover two annual cleanings. When considering whether or not to buy dental insurance, a key factor will be whether you intend to get your teeth cleaned twice each year in order to prevent major issues down the road.
When it comes to major procedures like braces and bridges, dental insurance plans usually cover about 50%. The percentage is higher for root canals, fillings and other basic services. Beyond those amounts, you are usually responsible for the balance in the form of a “co-pay.” This means that you might have to pay out-of-pocket even when you have not reached the maximum amount for the year. In the event that your dental insurance has a deductible, you’ll have to pay that amount before the insurance company pays for anything.
If you’re still on the fence about buying dental insurance, you should consider whether there’s a chance that you will need significant work in the future. If so, then you can probably find a policy that has a high maximum to cover those services. You’ll probably have to work out the numbers, but if you plan on getting a lot of work done, it’s worth having a higher premium if the cap is high. Keep in mind that a pre-existing condition could pose a problem, but it depends on the issue and the insurance company.
If you want another option, then you might consider getting a dental savings plan. It’s an alternative to dental insurance that a lot of people prefer because there are no maximums or restrictions if you have a pre-existing condition. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your unique needs.
by Aurora Family Dentistry | Feb 19, 2019 | Dental Clinic, Dentist
How to Maintain Oral Health Without Spending A Lot
As we all know, visiting a Dentist can be costly at times. Even with insurance, a person may be looking at a heavy bill depending on what needs to be done and the city the Dentist office is located. Many jobs offer dental insurance but there are many that don’t also. Dental bills increase even more if you have a family and that also raises the amount that is deducted from your paycheck.
Although visiting the Dentist can seem like a nightmare, it is important for one’s overall health. There is really no way around visiting the Dentist regularly unless missing or decaying teeth are what is popular these days. Although it can cause a burden, there are many different options that can help lessen the hit that the dental bill may bring.
Visiting the Dental Office with Insurance
Dental insurance usually comes in three type of ways which are;
- Health Management Organizations (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
- Indemnity Plans
With HMO, there are a network of Dentists that must be visited in order for procedures to be covered. With a PPO network, the ability to choose a Dentist outside of the network is possible but the out of pocket expenses would be greater. Finally, with an Indemnity plan, the visit and whatever procedures performed are paid by the visitor. The visitor would then fill out paperwork to send to their insurance company and the company will reimburse the individual for some or all of the costs that occurred.
It is clear to see that each route has advantages and disadvantages. For example, there may be a great Dentist that many individuals are so happy with that they talk about them nonstop. If the Dentist is not included in the HMO network, the individual would have to pay for everything. There would be no paperwork to fill out for reimbursement unless the person has an Indemnity plan. Having a PPO network could work since a visit can be made whether they are on the list of Dentists to visit or not. In that scenario there would be more out of pocket cost if the Dentist is not within the network.
The cheapest route of the above would be a HMO network. Although there is a specific selection of Dentists, this would save the most money. An indemnity plan would be perfect if you have the money upfront to cover the cost and would not mind waiting to be reimbursed. A PPO network is the most flexible and there is a chance that the bill may be more or less than an HMO network depending on the coverage and procedure.
What to Do With No Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can be very pricey but that does not mean a person should not make sure to take care of their oral health. Bad oral health affects the whole body and in some cases can result in other diseases like diabetes. There are some ways that an individual could save money on procedures in order to keep their mouth healthy. Here are a few suggestions;
- Research Dental Discount Plans
- Look to See If There is a Dental Clinic in Your Community
- Contact a Dental School and Ask if They May Be Able to Help
If neither of these options are not suitable the United Way should be able to help. They are full of information and advice and are able to guide individuals in the right direction when it comes down to obtaining health care.
by Aurora Family Dentistry | Feb 19, 2019 | Dental Clinic, Dentist
What are your dreams in life? Perhaps dentistry has crossed your mind once or twice. If becoming a dentist is something you want for yourself, then understanding the educational steps to become a dentist is very necessary. Becoming a dentist will take many years and the journey will not be easy. But with the right amount of passion, dedication and hard work becoming a dentist is a very possible goal for anyone interested in this profession.
A four year bachelor’s degree is one of the first steps an aspiring dentist needs to take. Many colleges offer pre-dental academic programs. You will spend at least four years pursing your bachelor’s degree. During these four years, you will get a glimpse of the dental world. At anytime during these four years you notice a dislike or disinterest in dentistry, it is best then to choose another profession. The education to become a dentist is expensive. There is no need in wasting money or going into a lot of debt if you are not certain dentistry is for you.
Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree, the journey is only half way done. You will still have more years ahead of you of attaining your dental education. Dental school comes next. Based off of your undergraduate degree and performance will determine which dental schools are the best fit for you. Even if you cannot get in the top dental schools, do remember that they all give out the same degree ultimately. Research dental schools ahead. Understand their tuition and academic requirements. Make sure you have a plan on how you will afford dental school and what career opportunities will be available to you after you have your dental degree. In the last few years of your dental program, you will get experience in the field. This is the time when you will get to work with dentists in an environment where you get hands on experience. This is one of the best times for you as a dentist to learn about your field before entering the workforce.
The third step is an accelerated path. This step is not required but is an option for those who do not mind taking a bit more longer to earn their education. An accelerated program takes about seven years to complete. Some schools offer these types of programs to people who want to get all of their education in one place to become a dentist.
You must receive a license from the state board of dentistry in the state you are going to practice in. After graduation, you be able to apply for your license. You will need a license in order to work in the field of dentistry. Once you have your license in hand it is then time for you to begin searching for work opportunities.
Finally, if you want to have a specialty you need to major in a postdoctoral training. Your postdoctoral education will takes at least two years and sometimes it takes even longer. This education is required for any specialties. A specialty license is required to work in some areas of dentistry like pediatrics.
These are the steps needed for you to launch your dream career. Many years and much money will be invested in order to become a professional dentist. However if this is your dream career, the investment is certainly worth it.
by Aurora Family Dentistry | Feb 19, 2019 | Dental Clinic, Dentist
Top Five Questions that You Should Ask Your New Family Dentist
Trying to find a new family dentist is a complicated process because you ultimately want to get the best. There are multiple dentists out there who are serving, but a significant number don’t have the necessary credentials or approvals to operate as dentists. This means that they are either not qualified or they have met the necessary criteria for being licensed as a trained dentist.
To avoid choosing a person who has not been legalized or certified by the medical authorities in your region, you need to ask various and critical questions. Questions may vary from one person to the other, depending on the specific needs of the patient. However, some general questions should apply to any person out there, some of which have been discussed below.
What is the area of specialization?
This might appear like a very generic and obvious question to ask a new dentist because you already know that he is specializing in dental aspects. However, it is an important question to ask. Some dentists only specialize in providing medical treatment rather than dealing directly with the tooth. Others will only offer cosmetic dental procedures but will not help in any activity that involves treating a painful tooth. You should make sure that you get a dentist that provides comprehensive dental services.
Whether he is accepting new clients?
The majority of dentists have their diary covered, and they have enough clients that they cover. Some of them have a large client base to the extent that they are already overwhelmed. On the other side, a dentist might be free and do not have any patients in the queue or diary on a particular day. Go for dentists who have a high number of patients because it is a sign that they provide quality services. Dentists who do not have a client base are likely to be imposters who do not have any skills or knowledge.
Does the dentist see adults, children, or both?
This is an important question, especially when you are looking for a family dentist. You all need your teeth to be checked regularly. Some dentists have focused on offering their professional services to adults while others deal with children. It would be advisable if you can consider selecting a dentist who deals with both adults and children. You would want a dentist who will offer your entire family professional dental services.
What dental technology does he use?
The clinical world has dramatically changed. Technology seems to be controlling the industry. Any dentist out there who do not have the necessary technology does not suit you and your family. Therefore, make sure that you ask all the essential questions that are relevant to technology and dental elements. You should also ask to see the equipment that your potential dentist will be used to treat you and your family members. Only go for a dentist who has incorporated technology not only in treatment but also in other areas such as record keeping.
What costs does he charge?
Asking about the amount to be charged is human. You will be buying the services from your new dental expert. Therefore, you would want to get value for your money. Moreover, it is essential to see whether you will get discounts and other after-sale services from your new dentists. Only pay for the services that you have received and make sure that service charges are consistent with the market rate.
However, asking critical questions is very sensitive as some dentists will have a feeling that you are downgrading and demeaning their services. You should make sure that you focus on asking objective questions and do so with professional and polite language.
