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Archives for March 2019

Affordable Dentists Who Do a Good Job?

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I’m looking for an affordable dentist, but one who actually does a good job. The ones I’ve looked up with affordable prices have not had good reviews. I need a lot of work and can’t just afford to put out a ton of money. I am hoping to find a decent one, but who doesn’t cost a fortune.

Lily

Dear Lily,

Woman giving thumbs up in a dental chair

There is a big difference between affordable dentists and cheap dentists. Cheap dentists, those who’s prices are lower than most market rates, are usually that way for one of two reasons:

  • They aren’t good dentists. They can’t retain patients so use low prices to constantly bring in new ones.
  • They cut corners by using lower quality materials to keep prices down without hurting profits too much.

Neither of these are scenarios you’d want for your own oral health care.

Finding Quality Affordable Dental Care

Price isn’t nearly as important as the quality of the work being done. If you had a dental crown which cost $300 and another which cost $700, you’d think the $300 crown would be more affordable. But, what if that crown only lasts three years and the more “expensive” crown is so well made it lasts twenty years. Which would you consider more affordable now?

What you want is a dentist who does quality work but is willing to do two things to help with cost:

First, they’ll do something called phased treatment. This allows you to get your treatment done i stages, instead of all the work needed at once. He or she can list for you which work is most urgent and work out a plan that allows you to get the work done within a budget.

Second, they offer payment plans. They can do this in-house or through a group called care credit. This is a medical credit card which offers low and 0% interest rates, with no penalty for early pay off.

Make sure whoever you use, you check their reviews. This should help you get an idea of the experience actual patients have had with his work. Though, you have already learned this trick.

What you don’t want to do is put off the most urgent treatment. Then, you’ll end up needing an emergency dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Kentucky Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Going On Assignment Outside the U.S.? 3 Ways to Find the Right Dentist before an Emergency

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Photo of young man wearing a blue shirt and holding the right-hand side of his face, for information on Lexington, KY emergency dentistry at Kentucky Dental Group.

Going on a work assignment outside of the U.S.? Find a dentist before you have an emergency.

I am currently on a work assignment out of the country. Yesterday morning I found out that my assignment will be extended from 7 months to more than double that, 14 months at the least. I am going to be able to come back to the states for two weeks to take care of some business and visit family. My plan is to stay on top of flossing and brushing, maybe even more than usual. My colleagues in the U.S. who have been on assignment here in the past gave me some medical contacts, but none of them have needed a dentist. My teeth are fine for now, but I have needed root canals in the past so maybe that is what’s making me kind of nervous. If by chance I do have a dental emergency, how can I select a good dentist? Regards.  Chip S.

Chip,

It’s good that you’re being proactive when it comes to your oral health. We have three suggestions to help you avoid a last-minute search for a dentist if you have an emergency.

Planning for a Dental Emergency While Outside of the U.S.

  1. Get an exam and cleaning while you’re in the U.S. – During your two-week return to the U.S., we suggest that you schedule an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and thorough examination of your teeth and oral cavities. Early detection can help anticipate any potential problems.
  2. Do some research – Research the names of respected dental associations in the country where you will be working. Dentists who are masters, fellows, or diplomates of the association have proven skill and experience. You can also ask your U.S. dentist for suggestions on finding a good provider while you’re on assignment.
  3. Ask for recommendations – You can consider speaking with a hotel concierge or others you come in contact with who live or work in that country. Recommendations are often a reliable way to find a good dentist. People are usually sensitive and particular about the kind of dental care they receive. In advance of an emergency, research any dentist recommendations you have received. We wish you good oral health while you are away, but if you do have a dental emergency, you won’t have to rush to select a provider.

This post is sponsored by John Weaver, DMD of Kentucky Dental Group in Lexington.