How do i find a new dentist?

Why You May Need a New Dentist

Poor oral health can impact the rest of your body, so it’s important to find a dentist that is concerned about more than just your teeth. Therefore, one reason individuals search for new dentists is to receive improved overall care.

Superior customer service is also a contributing factor. Many people are afraid of dentists, but finding a clinic that offers an exceptional experience from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave helps you feel more comfortable and confident. Customer-centered clinics are highly sought after by new patients.

Perhaps you’re happy with your current dentist’s abilities and patient-focused mindset, but have another reason for leaving the clinic. You may require specialized treatments or are moving to a new location. In that case, it’s more practical to search for a new dentist.

Nobody necessarily wants to embark on the journey of finding a new dentist. But occasionally, it’s just what we have to do. Longtime dentists retire, jobs require us to move, and a variety of life’s situations sometimes make it necessary to seek out a new dentist. However, finding the right new dentist can be a difficult process. With so many practices in your neighborhood all offering similar services, how do you know which dentist to choose? Follow this handy guide below to help find the best dentist

 

Tips for Finding a Great Dentist

The simplest place to start in today’s digital age is our trusty friend, Google. Take advantage of Google so you can collect a list of prospective dentists in Edmonton or your local area. Search “dentist near me” to acquire instant results.

While Google may help you find dentists, it may not be able to confirm whether they’re great dentists. Ask your current clinic for a referral, or contact your local doctor or pharmacist to see if they can assist. You can also ask family, friends and colleagues for recommendations. We all have to visit a dentist at some point in our lives and receiving first-hand information from people you trust can benefit your search.

One of the most effective methods to finding a great dentist is to schedule meet-and-greets. Visiting prospective clinics will allow you to gauge whether the dental teams appear welcoming, professional and genuine. It takes a bit of effort, but the impressions you obtain are key to finding a new dentist.

Ask for Recommendations

When starting your search for the right dentist, begin by asking friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Compile a list of options and hit the internet to do some research on your own. Look at each office’s website, see what services are offered, read up on the doctor and team, and don’t forget to check out their reviews either on their website or on online review platforms like Google. This will help you narrow your list to a few options.

Make Some Calls

Once you have your list of prospective dentists, pick up the phone and start calling them. During these conversations, be open to asking questions that will provide you some insight into the practice philosophy, treatments offered, and overall personality of the office. Some of the basic questions you can ask include:

“What is the dentist’s level of training?”

“What type of amenities does the practice offer to make treatment more comfortable?”

“What should I expect during my first visit?”

“How do you handle insurance and financials?”

Schedule an Appointment

After your initial call with each office, you should have a pretty good idea of which practice stands out to you the most and which may be a good fit. The next thing you should do is schedule a consultation or new patient appointment. There’s no better way to ensure you’ve found your new dental home than to get into the office and check it out. During your visit, note things like cleanliness, friendliness, time-sensitivity, and thoroughness. After this first visit, you should know whether that dentist and office is best for your needs, or that you need to keep looking.

 

Consider office location and hours

Most people looking for a dentist want one close to their home or work. They find it easier to schedule appointments before going to work, during lunch, or later in the day when they’re headed home. Look for dentists in your preferred area. Then check the office hours to make sure they fit your schedule.

Review cleaning and safety precautions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices are following guidelines to safely care for patients. Before scheduling a dental appointment, confirm the office’s cleaning procedures and safety protocols. Here are a few questions to ask when looking for a dentist:

• How often do they disinfect the waiting rooms, treatment areas and equipment?
• What type of protective gear do they wear? These items may include gloves, facial masks and shields, gowns, hair nets and shoe covers.
• Are patients screened before treatment? How about the staff?

Check patient feedback

As you’re looking for a dentist, read reviews of the dentists on your list. Make sure to read the comments posted by patients. Also ask your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or doctor for feedback on choosing a dentist. Find out who they prefer.

 

Check the Insurance

One of the first things you should do when you’re considering a dentist is to ask which insurance plans they accept. Dental care can be expensive, especially if you’re having procedures like root canals or fillings done. You want to make sure your dentist accepts your family’s insurance before you schedule an appointment.

You can also go about this the other way around and call your insurance company. Ask them which dentists in your area are covered on their network and work off that list. While you have them on the phone, check on any copays you may be required to make for your care.

Look for Short Wait Times

No one likes sitting around in a waiting room for a long time before your dental appointment. You have things you need to be doing, and if going to the dentist takes four hours every six months, you’re less likely to go as often as you need to. If you have anxiety about the dentist, this waiting time can also make that worse.

Ask the dentist’s office what typical wait times are. You may also want to check reviews online to see if current patients say anything about the wait times. If you discover wait times are an hour or more, it’s a good idea to find another dentist.

Ask About the Service Options

Depending on your oral health, you may have to have a wide variety of procedures performed. You or your family members may need to have wisdom teeth removed, get crowns or implants put in, or get orthodontic work done. You don’t want to have to juggle a million different dentist’s offices and bills.

Instead, look for a dentist who offers a variety of services. Dentists may offer cosmetic services, family services, restorative services, and emergency dental care. If a dentist offers all of these options, they’re a good choice.

 

Most common mistakes that patients make when choosing a dentist in their local area.

PICKING A DENTIST WITHIN THEIR NETWORK

Picking a dentist within the patient’s network is the most sensible thing to do when choosing a dental professional, right? Wrong. Choosing a dentist that is outside of a patient’s networkis actually the best way to go.

Patients who choose out-of-network dentists often enjoy the full benefits of their dental insurance. It also helps to offset dental costs and lessen the amount being paid by the client directly to the dentist.

PUTTING TOO MUCH VALUE IN REVIEWS

Putting too much value in reviews is another important mistake that you should avoid because online reviews can be manipulated. However, you should not disregard reviews completely. It can be a helpful tool that will help you make the right decision in choosing the best dentist.

SO, WHAT SHOULD LOOK FOR IN ONLINE REVIEWS?

Try to find information about the billing,financing options and the quality of work of the dentist. Through reviews, you can find out if the dental care provider stands by their work. You would want a dentist who will stay with you until you reach optimum oral health.

If the dental practice is responding to the majority of their online reviews in a positive manner, regardless if the review is good or bad, that is a good sign that they care about their patients.

CHOOSING DENTAL PRACTICES WITH LIMITED SPECIALIZATION

Avoid choosing a dentist who does not do everything under one roof. You will want to have one dentist who will provide you complete dental care so that the quality of services will be consistent throughout all of your dental treatments.

LATEST DENTAL TECHNOLOGY

As with other medical fields, dental technology is constantly evolving and developing. Always opt for the best dental materials and the latest dental equipment.

Dentists who have state-of-the-art technology when it comes to dental services will always provide a superior quality of work compared to those who have outdated equipment.

Conditions Treated

Hip Pain

Have you felt pain and tightness in your hip lately? Hip pain affects so many movements in everyday life that it can be one of the most frustrating ailments to deal with on a daily basis. It can be commonly found in people who participate in running, hockey, x-country skiing, weight training, crossfit, and a number of other sports. The hip is one of the largest weight bearing joints in the body and is important for a number of everyday activities including walking, running, jumping, sitting, and standing

Often the pain begins without a direct traumatic event and is felt in and around the hip and groin – especially during movement. It is can be caused by problems with your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and/or the bones. Sometimes the lower back can refer pain to your hip.

Treatment for the hip begins with a thorough history and examination followed with a formal diagnosis and treatment recommendation that often involves soft tissue work, joint mobilization, and rehab exercises. You doctor may determine that radiology (x-rays or an MRI) is necessary if the they feel that more information is needed about the joint and surrounding structures. Sprain/strains, Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), CAM lesions, piriformis syndrome, hip osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and general hip mobility are some of the most commonly treated hip problems in our office.

Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints that adults will face. It is so prevalent that some researchers refer to it as an epidemic disease. Did you know that research has shown that chiropractic care is among the top options for treating low back conservatively? The low back collectively is made up of many part such as the spinal vertebrae, sacrum, pelvis, and hip joints. As the base of the spine, it bears much of the brunt of our day to day activities. Improper sitting and lifting posture, accidents, and repetitive strain can lead to injuries in the low back.

Whether it is a sprain/strain, “slipped disc”, or you feel “stuck” in a position, we will be able to evaluate and manage most cases of mechanically related back pain. Initial consultations will reveal a detailed history of the nature of your low back pain. A thorough examination will follow. Occasionally, additional information (such as an x-ray or MRI) will be necessary to arrive at a proper diagnosis. The information gathered is used to develop an effective, evidence based treatment plan to address your problem. Low back pain usually responds well to chiropractic interventions including spinal manipulation (adjustments), rehabilitative exercise, physiotherapeutic modalities (ice, muscle stim, etc.) and soft tissue work.

 

Things Chiropractors Want You To Know

Many times you might have heard the phrase “the backbone of a company/family/organization”, to indicate the importance of a particular person within the context. Just like the saying implies, the actual human backbone or the spinal chord is central to everything that your body does and experiences.

A healthy well-supported spine plays an essential role in our overall wellness. The health of your spine should be a top priority for you. In order to ensure that your spine is in optimal health at all times, you can seek the help of chiropractors. Regular chiropractic adjustments are not just a form of preventive care. They are necessary for keeping your body flexible, balanced and feeling top notch.

Although the first step towards a healthy and active lifestyle is a healthy spine, regular chiropractic treatments can help with other things as well. Ailments like migraines to bursitis of the big toe and everything in between can be treated efficiently and safely with chiropractic care.

Pain is not the first symptom of dysfunction:

Many people tend to believe that pain is the first symptom of a problem, on the contrary, pain is actually the last symptom of a problem. Many times it so happens that a patient’s back is often restricted or unstable for months or years before it starts hurting and they finally decide to visit a chiropractor. Also, people need to understand that absence of pain is not a sign of good health. While you may need to take medications for the pain, if you take a painkiller and the pain goes away, that does not mean that the main cause of the problem has gone away. Muscle, ligament and joint injuries often ensue as a result of a long-term biochemical dysfunction, at times from past injuries making the area more prone to future injury.

Athletes use chiropractic care for overall fitness and not just injuries:

The main reason why athletes choose chiropractic care is because they are movement specialists. There were many chiropractors spotted at the latest Olympic Games. Many famous athletes like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan etc. have successfully utilized chiropractic care to boost their career. These days it is very common for athletes to take chiropractic assistance. It enables athletes to prevent injuries, fasten injury recovery, improve balance and coordination, and give them greater vigor for their sport.

 

Chiropractor Talks About Improving Your Health

Every year, hundreds if not thousands of people suffer some type of low back injury. This often requires a visit to their chiropractor as a result of gardening or doing some other type of yard work. This happens a lot in the spring when people are anxious to get outside, and tend to their yards, after months of being penned indoors by the winter season.

It is relatively easy to injure your back, especially if you are moving heavy objects around the yard. While good chiropractic care is always one of the first things you should do after receiving such an injury, you also want to consider the fact that chiropractic care, that occurs on a fairly regular basis, may help to curb some of these injuries in the first place, as does following some common safety precautions when you are working in your yard.

There are a number of tips that can help you when it comes to preventing back injuries while you are working in your yard. Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that in most cases, the more fit you are the less likely you are to suffer an injury of this type. Fitness is a good idea in any case, and this is especially true when you are performing any type of rigorous physical activity. Good muscle tone and flexibility will go a long way toward helping you stay healthy and free from back injuries that can be very painful.

In addition, you always want to lift properly. Always lift with your knees, and keep your feet in front of you approximately a shoulder length apart. Whatever you do, never lift with your back. This is one of the primary reasons that people receive back injuries in the first place. Another thing you can do to reduce your chances of injuring your back is to use tools that work well for you. If you are an individual with a smaller build, you need to use smaller tools, and try not to move things that are too heavy without help.

Of course, if you do feel tightness in your back or you have had an especially hard day you can typically relieve much of the tension by icing the muscles appropriately. If you prefer, you may want to alternate ice and heat in order to reduce inflammation and then relax the muscles. Ensure that you do not apply ice directly to the skin, and that you use caution when applying heat.

 

WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU BEGIN CHIROPRACTIC?

In the last few decades chiropractic care has enjoyed a tremendous boost in popularity among adults. They use it to help manage their pain, relieve chronic conditions, prevent injury, and improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall wellness. But at what age should you begin chiropractic? What is the best time to start seeing a chiropractor?

Can children get chiropractic care?

Yes, children can see a chiropractor and receive treatment. Most chiropractors will see children under 18 years of age and many will see children under 2, including infants. It is safe, non-invasive, and is medication free.

Adverse events associated with pediatric chiropractic are extremely rare and there are no reported deaths resulting from the treatment. It is largely considered to be one of the safest forms of treatment available for a wide range of conditions, including pain management.

What benefits do children get from chiropractic care?

When a child’s spine is properly aligned, they tend to be healthier. Birth itself can put the body through some degree of trauma as the infant is squeezed through the birth canal, often aided by forceps or suction.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

What many parents may not know is that chiropractors have been treating children for more than 100 years. It has an excellent reputation and studies show it is extremely safe. Studies that examine malpractice insurance coverage show that chiropractors have a very low risk and exceptional safety record.

 

Considering Chiropractic? things you need to know

doctors apply a structural correction of the head and neck which (for many people) is an unexpectedly effective form of chiropractic treatment.

So, what is this chiropractic?

care is a set of procedures that focus on re-aligning the upper neck and the head. Using a precise adjustment approach, we aim to restore balance and correct posture to the body.

wanted to help his patients find relief from their suffering. He had such incredible success that other chiropractors requested that they teach them his upper spinal or upper neck adjustment techniques.

hat’s the difference between and traditional chiropractic?

All chiropractic techniques work by gentle force. Most chiropractic techniques work by attempting to restore joint function and mobility. While typical approaches can be helpful in certain circumstances, it’s not always enough. Due to the complexity involved, this is especially true when it comes to rebalancing the position of the head and the neck.

chiropractic focuses on returning the neck and the head back to a more correct position. The atlas, also known as the first vertebrae of the neck, is used to accomplish this goal. As the correction in the head and upper neck is achieved, postural adaptations within the entire body are brought back into balance and stress is reduced.

Tips for choosing a plastic surgeon

Expertise

All plastic surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Plastic surgery is a highly, complex specialty that requires years of education and training. Board certification also allows you to ensure that a physician will meet safety requirements and has the medical skills needed but it is only the beginning. Asking your surgeon about his or her professional involvement in teaching, speaking or writing about the procedure you are considering will tell you that he or she is up-to-date on new techniques and technology.

Experience

In addition to the right training and education, your physician should have experience performing the type of surgery you are considering. Some surgeons specialize in particular procedures, and your procedure type should be in his “top three.” A good rule of thumb is that he or she should have performed this type of procedure once or more per week for five years or more. Plastic surgery is a complex art and the surgeon needs to stay in practice. Having done a number of procedures over a number of years will help ensure that he or she has the skills that you need.

Exceptional Results

When most people think about plastic surgery – they think about the results they hope to get but not every plastic surgery story ends well. If you have ensured that your potential surgeon has the expertise and experience, you are on your way to choosing the right doctor but he or she also needs to produce exceptional results. Most plastic surgeons keep a file of “before and after” pictures which you should examine. Make sure these include at least two examples of “after” photos taken a year or more post-surgery.

 

Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon

Choose a Certified Surgeon

Make sure you select a cosmetic or plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. A cosmetic surgeon may also be certified by other specialty boards such as the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, but they must first and foremost have American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. This ensures they are held to the highest standards of education, training, safety and ethics.

Consider the Surgeon’s Experience

When it comes to procedures and surgeries to alter your appearance, you want a knowledgeable doctor with lots of experience. Ask how many patients the surgeon has treated with your specific condition or how frequently he or she performs the procedure you’re considering.

Ask to See Before and After Photos

Look at before and after photos of patients with a similar shape and structure to you. This can help you determine whether their results reflect how you want to look after surgery. Consider consulting multiple different surgeons and examining their photos.

Assess the Doctor’s Communication Style

During your initial consultation, ask questions and discuss your aesthetic preferences. You want a doctor who listens to you, answers your questions in ways you can understand and respects your decisions. Your surgeon should be caring and you should feel comfortable talking to them about your medical history.

Ask Where Surgical Procedures are Performed

If you are considering surgery, check out the facility where it would occur. It should meet high standards for safety, and have life-saving equipment available at all times. The facility should be certified by the Joint Commission, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

 

tips for choosing a plastic surgeon

Interview multiple surgeons

Committing to have plastic surgery is no small decision and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at times. Even if you feel confident with the first plastic surgeon you see look into interviewing at least one or two more options. By consulting with different doctors you’ll learn more about the process each time.

Look for more than just a great deal

Comparing price is important when making any big financial decision but it shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor when it comes to plastic surgery. You’ll live with the results of your cosmetic procedure for a long time so you need to make sure that you’ll be happy with the results. There are other important factors to consider when selecting a surgeon like whether the doctor’s aesthetic decisions align with the look you’re seeking his or her experience level their surgery record and their experience with the particular surgery you seek.

See if the surgeon is board-certified

Professional certification sets a number of important standards that a surgeon must meet. When you select a board-certified plastic surgeon you’re choosing someone whose practice has been vetted by an independent third party. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies plastic surgeons who meet stringent standards.

Look for a surgeon with hospital access

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advised that you shouldn’t let a surgeon perform a procedure on you unless they have “privileges to perform that same procedure at a reputable hospital.” If an issue occurs during your surgery it’s good to be in a hospital with resources and skilled doctors to treat you.

Ask questions

It’s important to talk with your doctor about all of your questions before you commit to the procedure. Not only will this help you to make sure that you’re getting exactly what you want it will also help you to feel more comfortable with the doctor. Here are a few questions you should add to your list.

 

Tips to Pick the Right Plastic Surgeon

What does the procedure cost? Is payment expected up-front? Most cosmetic procedures are considered elective and are not covered by health insurance plans.

Can you talk to other patients who have had the same procedure performed by this surgeon? Friends can be a good referral source if they have had a similar procedure themselves.

Are you a good candidate for the procedure you’re considering? What will be expected of you following the procedure? Your doctor should openly discuss with you any issues that may affect your personal outcome.

Does the doctor answer all your questions clearly and fully? Your doctor should be frank about issues such as recovery time, potential side effects, risks, and realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. While “before and after” photos make a convincing statement, be sure to ask if the photos represent typical results.

Does the doctor ask you about your reasons for having the procedure, and are you comfortable talking openly with this doctor? A good cosmetic surgeon will explain all alternatives to the procedure and will not pressure you into making a rapid decision.

 

Tips For Choosing The Best Plastic Surgeon

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION AFTER RESEARCHING YOUR PROCEDURE AND READING THROUGH PLASTIC SURGERY GUIDES

ARRANGE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION TO RECEIVE PERSONALISED INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR YOU

CHECK YOUR SURGEON’S CREDENTIALS BEFORE AGREEING TO SURGERY

LOOK FOR ARTICLES IN THE MEDIA

CONTACT THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS (ASPS)