When Should a Person Switch Dentists?

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the area. 

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At our practice, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients.

Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices

• Your dentist has retired or moved
• You have decided to move away from the area
• Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
• Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
• The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
• Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
• You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
• Your dental insurance has changed
• You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available. 

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice. 

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

How Can I Transfer My Dental Records?

When switching dentists make sure you also take your records with you to your new practice. This provides the new dentist with your dental history. To request a transfer of records you can simply call your current dentist and ask them to send over the records. This is a good time to let your dentist know you will be moving to a new practice. Most dentists do charge a small fee to transfer records, and this covers the cost or postage involved. In some cases, dental practices now have automated systems for patient’s records, and this makes the transfer process easier. 

Looking for a Dental Clinic or Dental Office?

If you are looking to find the perfect dental practice, consider visiting our office. We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and provide superior dental care in our surrounding communities. Our patients are treated like family, and your oral health is our first priority. We service your entire family, and offer many dental services using state of the art technology. 

Building a relationship with our patients is important, and our goal is to give patients beautiful smiles. We welcome all new patients, and encourage each patient to tour our office and meet our amazing doctors and staff.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation visit with us please contact our office, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you!