From schools to friends to recreational activities, there are plenty of details to iron out when you make a big move. Never put your well-being on the back burner until it becomes an emergency. Finding a dentist in your new town like Fort Collins, for instance, is an important part of your move, so follow these steps to help you in your search.
Contact your insurance
A good way place to start is by contacting your insurance company and obtaining a list of all the dentists in the area that are covered by your plan. It won’t offer you any insight into which dentist you should choose, but it will help narrow the playing field and give you a point of reference to begin your search.
Ask around
Nothing beats a personal referral. As you begin to meet your neighbors, coworkers, and fellow parents at your children’s school ask them about their dentist of choice. If they’ve lived in the area for a while, chances are they’ve visited a few different offices. They can probably offer some useful advice on practices to try. The best part about referrals is they can give specific details. If you’re after a dentist that concentrates on kids or reducing anxiety, those firsthand tales from others will lead you in your quest.
Hop online
If you don’t have much luck asking around or need to cut down your list even further, jump online. In the google search box list the city your are looking for and add the word dentist to the end, for example “ Fort Collin Dentist”. Many practices have websites that detail the services they offer. Some even include patient reviews so you can gather even more feedback to aid you in your decision.
Contact gum specialists
Look up the contacts for a few gum experts in your new area. Just call them and ask for a referral to a comprehensive dentist. Gum specialists handle problems after they have proceeded, so they often have a grasp on which of the dentist catch issues early and which wait awhile before attempting treatment.
Contact the dentist
Still having some trouble? Don’t hesitate to contact the dentist directly. You can ask about credentials, emergency care, available services, and any other details you’d like to know. Some dentists allow you to set up consultations so you can meet with him or her directly and see the office. If you decide to schedule a consultation, prepare a list of questions in advance, so you cover all the information you need.
Moving can be an overwhelming and often stressful process, but finding a dentist doesn’t have to be. By following these ideas, you can make a successful transition to a new dentist where you feel welcomed and comfortable.
After you have narrowed your listing down to less potential dentists, it is up to you to do the legwork. Revisiting the offices and examining how clean they are could be something that can guide your final judgment. On meeting, you can also ask the inquire from the receptionists on how much things cost, and the kinds of insurance policies they allow. Of course, convenience is essential for a potential patient; deciding if the dental offices you have decided on is ideally located.
If you have made an appointment to talk with the doctor, quiz him about the way things work in the office. Ask him the policies on patient education before procedures, and what his or her methods for dealing with extenuating circumstances, such as emergency care and the like. You could discuss your dental history, and see if the feedback is to your liking.
