How to Choose a Dentist

It is generally acknowledged that more than 46 percent of consumers do not have a general dentist. Many consumers turn to the phone book to search for a new family dentist. However, this tool may not be the most reliable source of information. To help, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) provides resources to help you look for a new dentist.

Begin the Search
Call the AGD's consumer referral line, 1.877.2X.A.YEAR, to connect with three or more AGD member dentists. Or, ask for recommendations. Family, friends, neighbors or co-workers can be excellent sources, and can refer you to a dentist they feel comfortable visiting. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist. If you are moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation. Or, call your local or state dental society. Ask your sources:

• What do they like about the office?
• What do they like about the dentist?

Start With a Consultation
Call or visit more than one dentist before making a decision. During a consultation, note dental office and talk to the dentist about services available to you and your family. Ask questions:

• Is the dentist a member of organized dentistry (AGD, American Dental Association, etc.)?
• What is the dentist's commitment to continuing dental education?
• What dental procedures are completed in-office?
• What procedures will be referred out?
• How does the dental team stay up-to-date with the latest procedures?
• How are dental emergencies handled?

The Appointment
After you have selected the dentist and dental office that meets your expectations and your needs, set up an appointment for a general exam, which consists of a cleaning, x-rays and medical health history. This visit is your opportunity to decide if the dentist and dental team:

• Are personable, patient and caring.
• Take time to answer your questions.
• Are considerate of your time and comfort.
• Demonstrate the professionalism you expect.

Why should I choose an AGD dentist for my family and me?
Members that belong to AGD care about the long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrate that concern by belonging to the AGD. Members are dedicated to continuing education to help them stay up-to-date on the latest procedures to provide you and your family with quality treatment. The general dentist who remains current in general dentistry is better able to offer you and your family a variety of diagnosis and treatment choices.

Need a Dentist? Let Us Point the Way
Seeing a dentist twice a year is the best way to ensure good oral health, but many people put off these important health care visits. Many people relocate at least once in their lives, and finding a dentist in a new city or town can be a daunting task.

To make it easier to find a dentist, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) offers consumers a toll-free service that can point them in the direction of an Academy member general dentist. Share this fact sheet with friends or family members in search of a dentist, and help them get the continuing oral health care they need.

What is 1.877.2X.A.YEAR?
The AGD's toll-free service, 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327), is a free service to help the public to find local general dentists who also are members of the AGD. Membership in the AGD marks your dentist as a professional committed to excellent patient care through lifelong learning. Calling this number will put you in touch with an operator who will provide the names, addresses and phone numbers of three local Academy member general dentists. Just provide your ZIP code, city or region, and we'll do the rest.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the United States and Canada. The AGD's Web site also provides a listing of members nationwide. Go to the "Consumer Information" page, click on "Find an AGD Dentist" link and type in a ZIP code and receive a randomly selected list of up to six dentists.

Why should I see a general dentist?
General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. Besides providing preventive services, your general dentist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of your oral health needs. If you need the services of a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or endodontist, your general dentist can provide appropriate referrals and maintain your continuity of care.

Regular visits to your general dentist are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Tooth decay and gum disease are the biggest risks for adults who don't receive regular dental care.

Regular checkups for children, starting at age 1, will safeguard them against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease and prolonged thumbsucking, and help prevent cavities throughout their early years.

Building a relationship with a general dentist who sees you regularly and knows your history allows you to maintain your oral health and catch small problems before they become big ones.

I am afraid to go to the dentist, but I know I should. What can I do?
Talk to the dentist about your fears. By developing a relationship with a dentist, you are also involving yourself in your treatment plan. Dentists can discuss options that will help you relax and feel more comfortable during your visit.

What is a fee-for-service dentist? A fee-for-service dentist is a dentist who is paid directly by the patient for the services provided, based on the dentist's cost to provide them. Neither the fees nor the treatment option nor the time the dentist can spend with you is controlled by anyone else or by an insurance group, company or third party. What is an HMO or PPO dentist? A health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO) sets a cap on the fees that can be charged for procedures. By joining an HMO or PPO, the dentist agrees to abide by these restrictions, which enables the company and the patient to know the predetermined costs. Because fees are controlled, it is possible that a participating dentist may need to control your treatment options, the materials used and the time that can be spent with you during treatment.

Prevent Oral Health Problems: Visit a Dentist Twice a Year
Although twice-a-year dental visits are the key ingredient to maintaining good oral health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports less than two-thirds of adults make one yearly dental trip. In addition, one-third of all Americans have untreated tooth decay and more than 50 percent have gingivitis, which can quickly develop into periodontal (gum) disease. Visiting a dentist twice a year can be instrumental to prevent oral health problems and predict overall health conditions.

Need a dentist?
The AGD sponsors a year-round, non-profit toll-free service to help consumers find a general dentist in their area. By calling 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327), you can get the names, addresses and phone numbers of up to three Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) member dentists located anywhere in the United States and Canada.

By selecting an AGD member dentist, consumers are choosing a dentist with a commitment to continuing their oral health education. AGD member dentists must complete 75 hours of continuing education courses every three years.

Additional tips to help consumers find a dentist who they feel comfortable visiting:

1. Schedule a consultation

Call or visit more than one dentist before making a decision. During a consultation, time can be taken to talk to the dentist about treatment options and treatment plans. Ask questions. Insurance coverage, billing procedures and payment plans may be discussed at this time.

2. Note office environment

It is important to develop a feel for the office atmosphere, especially if more than one family member will be visiting the dentist.

3. Make an appointment

After the consultation, set up an appointment for a general exam, which consists of cleaning, X-rays and a medical history. A good initial visit is a good indicator that the dental office may match the patient's needs.

"Don't put off the initial visit," says John D. Chandler, DDS, MAGD, past president and AGD spokesperson. "Research shows more than 90 percent of all systemic disease – including heart disease – have oral symptoms. Visiting the dentist twice a year is an important investment in one's oral as well as overall health."

Online options to find a dentist
Consumers also can search the AGD Web site, www.agd.org, to find a general dentist in their area. From the main page, click on "Consumer Information" and then click "Find an AGD Dentist" to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of up to six AGD member dentists in an area.

Tips on Finding Preventive Care for Children's Oral Health
More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. Despite these numbers, many children still do not visit the dentist. In addition, almost 50 percent of tooth decay remains untreated in low-income children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The need for dental care cannot be ignored. Dental diseases grow progressively worse without treatment, which influences overall health and may require increasingly costly care," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Mark Ritz, DDS, MAGD. "However, most oral health problems can be prevented. Regular dental examinations, oral health education and primary disease prevention will dramatically reduce the burden of dental disease in most patients."

Regular examinations can seem expensive to people without dental insurance, and many children are without dental coverage. The Surgeon General's office reports that for every child without medical insurance there are 2.6 children lacking dental insurance. These resources are available to help the parents of children in need of dental care:

Federally sponsored programs
Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited incomes. More than 40 million people have Medicaid coverage and about half are children. In order to be approved and receive the funding, certain eligibility requirements must be met. Go to http://cms.hhs.gov/ to look up eligibility requirements in each state.

State-assisted programs
A State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is another option for uninsured children. SCHIP is a state-administered program, and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Go to http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/ for a listing of SCHIP programs.

States also have dental clinics or other charitable programs set up to help children receive dental care at no cost or at a reduced fee. Search online at http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc. Some state dental societies will also list clinics or charities.

Dental schools
A dental-school clinic is another option for reduced fee treatment. Students perform the procedures, which helps reduce treatment costs. Experienced faculty members are on site throughout the process to evaluate the student's work. State dental societies should have a listing of dental schools in the area.

How to Find a Kid-friendly Dentist
Although more parents know about the importance of age-1 dental visits, many parents may still wonder about what kind of dentist can provide care for their child.

According to Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD, many general dentists treat children.

"Parents should seek out a dental office that provides a fun environment for children, so that they are excited about coming to the dentist's office."

For that reason, many dentists have made an effort to incorporate child-friendly design into their office environment. They provide entertainment – such as books, video games, television and movie access – for their patients.

To prepare the child for the visit, parents should ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction the child may exhibit – cooperative or non-cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talk to the child about what to expect and build excitement, as well as understanding, about the upcoming visit. Bring to the appointment any records of the child's complete medical history.

Parents who feel their child is anxious about a dental visit should ask their dentist if they will schedule a pre-visit. Many dentists use pre-visits to alleviate any fear or anxiety by acclimating them to the office environment. The dentist will walk the child around the office, show them the tools, allow them to sit in the chair and even demonstrate on a family member to help them become comfortable.

Most importantly, parents should make sure their child regularly visits a dentist, reminds Dr. Bauer. "This will help them have better oral health for the rest of their lives."

How to keep your child from being anxious about the dentist:

• Talk to the dentist about the best way to communicate with your child about dental visits.
• Ask the dentist to take your child on a tour of the office and explain the equipment.
• Ask if the dentist will allow a relative to accompany the child in the treatment room.
• Avoid caffeine or sugary foods before a dental appointment.