How to Choose the Best Dentist for Your Family in Nassau County

Are you looking for a family dentist in Nassau County? Finding a dentist that works best for the whole family can be a challenge. But the key is knowing what qualities and characteristics to look for. Here’s what to focus on when choosing a local family dentist.

Not all dentists accept both children and adults. Some dentists only see children of a certain age. If you want a dentist who can treat the whole family, make sure to find one who will accept patients of even your youngest child’s age. And plan for the future as well in case your family grows. It is usually recommended that children have their first dental appointment within 6 months of when their first tooth comes in. That can be as early as their first birthday.

Ask your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else you trust if they have a family dentist they can recommend. You will most likely find that some of the same names keep coming up. Ask what they like about the dentist and why they recommend them. If you have children, ask someone else with children what their experience was like. It helps if you have a lot in common with the family making the recommendation.

At the very least a family dentist should have the proper education and licensing to offer family dentistry services. In addition, some dentists have affiliations with professional dental organizations and have received special awards for excellence in their field. Look for signs that the dentist goes above and beyond the basic level of care.

Advancements in technology have made significant improvements in dental services. Diagnostic equipment allows dentists to detect cavities and other dental problems earlier. Technology allows procedures to be less invasive for an easier recovery. It even makes the check-in and check-out process faster. Look for signs of current technology being used throughout every part of your experience in the office.

Choose a dentist that stays current and informed about advancements in dentistry. The field is constantly changing and evolving, and a dentist that is well informed will offer better quality care. How do you know if a dentist is doing this? This is one area where affiliation with dental organizations comes in. This shows that the dentist takes the initiative to connect with other dentists and continues to learn. You can also ask what continuing education programs the dentist and other staff have participated in.

Another important consideration is dental insurance. If you have coverage under a certain provider, find out what dentists are in-network with your insurance. Some dental offices will accept your insurance without being in-network, meaning you could pay more out of pocket despite having dental coverage. Ask the dental office if they are in-network with your specific insurance provider and plan.

Sometimes the only way to determine whether or not a dentist will work for your family is to meet them face to face. It is important for the dentist and staff to be friendly and professional with adults and especially children. Your child’s first impression of going to the dentist will set the tone for the way they will feel about it every time they go. It’s important to get them started on a positive note.

If you’re looking for a family dentist in Nassau County, Barkoff Dental has an excellent reputation in the community. Dr. Barkoff and staff are highly qualified and continue to receive training and education to provide the best possible care to patients of all ages. We incorporate the latest technology in our office for your comfort and convenience.

Call 516-921-1133 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to becoming your family dentist.