Dentists

A dental home, not just an appointment

A useful first call starts with the practical details: the exact office, the dentist you will see, the hours you can attend and whether the practice accepts your particular insurance plan. In Coastal Virginia, choosing an office near home, school or work can make follow-up visits easier to keep.

Ask how the practice handles a new patient visit. Will it include an examination, cleaning and images, or will some of those be separate appointments? Tell the office about dental anxiety, accessibility needs and records held by a previous dentist before you arrive.

Before agreeing to treatment

• Ask the dentist to explain the finding and why the proposed treatment is recommended.
• Request an itemized estimate, including what insurance is expected to pay and what remains uncertain.
• Ask about reasonable alternatives, the timing of treatment and the consequences of waiting.
• Find out who handles after-hours concerns and how referrals to a specialist are coordinated.

Build a routine that is yours

There is no single appointment schedule that fits everyone. Ask your dentist how often you should return based on your individual needs. Bring your questions about home care and ask for a demonstration of any technique or tool you have difficulty using.

Read the American Dental Association’s dental-visit questions and guide to choosing a dentist.

Find a local connection

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Check the individual provider’s qualifications and services. A directory listing is not a clinical recommendation.