How to Find a Dentist When You Move | LocalConsumerInsider.com

Don't know how to find a dentist when you move? We've got you covered with tips for finding an experienced dentist near you.

Choosing a reliable and experienced dentist to take care of your oral health can be an overwhelming, but important task. As dental issues can range in complexity, it is strongly recommended you consult with someone who has knowledge and experience in the field. To do this, many people are now turning to local dentists for their individual healthcare needs - providing access to convenient services that don't require extensive travel times or higher expenses.

In order to find the right skilled professional near you, there are certain factors that come into play when finding your ideal choice. Read on to learn more about selecting the perfect dentist for all of your tooth related questions and concerns.

How to Find a Dentist Near You

When moving to a new town, it is especially important to find a new dentist. There are many ways to go about finding the right one for your needs. The best approach is to take stock of your individual dental care requirements and then use that information as the basis of your search. This includes considering factors such as location, cost, availability and services offered.

You can start by asking family or friends who they recommend, or researching online through websites like Angie's List or Yelp. It's also helpful to check out the reviews written by previous patients on these sites - this can be invaluable in helping you determine if a certain dentist will fit with both your budget and expectations.

Another option is looking into local outreach programs that offer free or low cost dental care. These can be found through local health departments, community clinics and other non-profit organizations. It is important to research the qualifications of each dentist carefully before deciding on which one to use.

Types of Dentists

When looking for a new dentist, you may come across several different types of professionals. Here is an overview of the main categories:

General dentists – These are your go-to professionals for typical routine dental care such as cavity fillings, cleanings and checkups. They are also able to recognize signs of more complex issues and refer patients to other specialists if needed.
Endodontists – Specialize in root canal therapy and saving teeth that are damaged or infected.
Oral surgeons – Perform surgeries such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal and cleft palate repair.
Orthodontists – Focus on straightening crooked smiles with braces and other orthodontic devices.
Cosmetic dentists – Enhance the look of your smile by providing procedures such as dental veneers, tooth bleaching and bridge work.

What Type of Dental Care Do They Offer?

Most dentists generally offer a variety of services that include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, bridges and root canals. Other specialists may also be able to provide services like implant placement or teeth whitening. It is important to research each individual dentist and their offerings before making a decision.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of dental care can vary drastically depending on the type of service and individual dentist. Most routine services such as exams and cleanings are covered by $200 - $300, while more complex procedures like root canals or implants cost up to $3000.

Finding Emergency Dentists

In some cases, finding an emergency dentist may be necessary - especially if it's after hours or over a holiday weekend. In this case, there are several ways to go about locating one in your area. For example, many local hospitals or health departments have a list of available emergency dentists that can be contacted at any given time. Additionally, it is possible to search online for listings of 24-hour services and urgent care clinics in your area.

Nationwide Dental Insurance Providers

Most people are familiar with the major nationwide dental insurance providers, such as Delta Dental and MetLife. However, there are a variety of other options available that may better suit your needs. Here is an overview of some of the most popular nationwide dental insurance providers, including their benefits and coverage options:

Aetna – Aetna's dental plans cover a wide range of services and procedures, from preventive care to restorative treatments. They also offer discounts on cosmetic dentistry services like whitening and veneers.
Humana – Humana offers both PPO and HMO plans that cover routine cleanings, emergency visits and more complex procedures like root canals and crowns. Their plans also feature discounts on orthodontic treatment for adults as well as children.
Cigna – Cigna has a variety of different plan types with varying levels of coverage. They also offer discounts on select cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening and veneers.
UnitedHealthcare – UnitedHealthcare provides comprehensive coverage for preventive care, emergency visits, fillings, crowns, bridges and more. They also have special programs for seniors that offer additional savings on certain services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) – BCBS offers both PPO and HMO plans that include coverage for checkups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, crowns and more. Their plans also provide discounts on certain cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding.

These providers include traditional plans as well as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations).

Traditional plans typically offer comprehensive coverage but also come with higher premiums compared to other types of insurance. On the other hand, HMOs pay only for services provided by their contracted providers while PPOs cover more than one network of doctors, typically resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.