Are you moving to a new city? This can be an exciting time, but it also comes with its fair share of things to change and a long to-do list. After you find the necessary grocery stores, schools, banks and such, next on your list will be finding a new dentist. Now you might be thinking, “If I don’t have any personal recommendations, how do I find a new dentist in a new area?” No worries! We’ve got you covered with helpful ideas and tips to make the chore as easy as possible.
How to start your search for a new dentist
- First things first, let’s discuss where to start your search. Thanks to the wonders of search engines on the internet, finding a good dentist close to home is decently easy now.
- A simple Google search for “dentists near me” will give you a list of dental offices in your area.
- Second, check out each dentist’s website and look at the services they offer, the hours they are open, and where they are located.
- Also, read patient reviews.
- When you meet your new neighbors or people at work, you can also ask them for recommendations.
Don’t be afraid to call a new dentist!
Did you find a few dental offices that sounded nice? Many offices offer free consultations, which is a great way to see if you like the dental office, staff, and location. Next, give them a call! When you talk to the office staff, this will give you an idea about their customer service and professionalism. In addition, you can ask what insurance plans they accept and bring up any specific dental needs you have.
I found a dentist's office I like, now what?
Ok, you’ve done your homework and found a new dentist’s office that you like the look of. What is the next step? It’s time to make your first appointment.
But what about my dental records from my previous dentist?
Now, let’s address what most people are worried about – transferring your dental records from your previous dentist’s office. Did you know that you don’t necessarily need to transfer your old records to your new dentist? If there is some reason your new dentist needs that information, they will let you know.
But there are a few exceptions to this rule when it is a good idea to get your records from your former dentist before you go to a new dentist.
- If you’re in the middle of any ongoing treatments
- You have implants
- You’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment
- There are previous oral issues that require continued care by the new dentist
What do you look for at the first appointment?
What things are you looking for when you are there? Is the staff friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable? Is the office organized and clean? Did the dentist review your patient history and listen to your concerns, answer any questions, and explain their recommended treatments? Also, just a word of warning, if the new dentist gives you a huge treatment plan of work that needs to be done when six months ago you were fine, it would be good to get a second opinion from a different office and have them transfer your X-rays, just to make sure everything is legit.
All of this can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s important to prioritize your oral health, especially after a stressful move to a new area. By taking the time to research your options and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to feeling better about your oral health in your new hometown.
What about my dental insurance and coverage at a new dentist's office?
Was this move due to a new job? Did you get new health and dental insurance after the move? If you have new insurance you may also have a waiting period to think about. If you’re changing to a new dental insurance plan, make sure to find out if there is waiting periods for specific dental procedures. Some insurance plans have waiting periods of six months or more before you can get major dental services like root canals, dental crowns, or wisdom teeth extracted. It is best to research the answers to these questions before you make any dental appointments having to do with these types of treatments.
Don’t worry!
Finding a new dentist after a move should be a smooth experience. We will sum it up for you here. Do a little bit of research, make some calls, go visit the office, use the tips we listed above and you should have a good recipe for finding a new dentist office. And don’t worry about transferring your dental records from your previous dentist (unless you have any of the 4 mitigating reasons we listed above). New insurance plans may seem overwhelming but if you take the time to understand your policy beforehand, this will be a smooth adjustment to your new dental office. In between all that, make sure to keep brushing and flossing those pearly whites daily.