The city of Meridian prides itself on being a premier place to live, work, and raise a family. If you’re lucky enough to live in this beautiful Idaho town, no doubt you agree with this sentiment.
The area is growing fast, with new businesses opening every day. If you’re on the hunt for an Idaho dentist, you might feel overwhelmed by choices.
How can you find the best dentist in Meridian, Idaho to care for you and your family? Use the tips below to guide you in your search.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
First of all, what do you need out of your dentist-patient relationship? Are you looking for a family dentist to handle basic preventative care? Do you have young children who would benefit from the services of a pediatric dentist in Meridian, Idaho?
You may have specific oral health issues like TMJ, bruxism (teeth grinding), or gum disease. Or you may be more interested in cosmetic work such as braces, Invisalign, or dental veneers.
There are no right or wrong answers here — it all comes down to what you and your family need from your Idaho dentist. Once you have a clear idea of the services you want, you can begin your search for a Meridian dentist that specializes in those areas.
2. Consider Payment Options
If you have dental coverage, start by asking your insurance provider for a list of in-network providers. This is always a good starting point in your search for a quality dentist.
If you already have a dental clinic in mind, find out if they accept your dental insurance. Most offices accept plans from major insurers like Delta, Blue Cross, and Met Life. You can always check directly with the dental clinic if you’re unsure whether they accept your particular insurance.
What if you don’t have dental insurance? Look for a dentist that offers flexible payment and financing options. If necessary, they may be able to help you apply for Care Credit, which can give you 0% financing for up to 24 months.
Many clinics also offer an in-house payment plan that covers your preventative care and offers discounts on other procedures. Another option to consider is staggered treatment to address (and pay for) your dental issues over a period of months or years.
3. Good Listening & Communication Skills
From the receptionist at the front desk to the dentist and their assistants, everyone in the office should make you feel at ease. They should be able to explain things in a way that makes sense, without getting lost in confusing medical jargon.
Most importantly, your dentist should be an excellent listener. Rather than just giving you a rundown of everything you should be doing for your oral health, a good dentist will listen to your concerns.
For example, do you struggle with dental anxiety? Ask the dentist how they help patients to feel calm during procedures, perhaps through sedation dentistry.
You might worry more about instilling good oral care habits in your young children. Or maybe you want to enhance your smile but you’re not sure which treatment would be best for your teeth (or your budget).
The point is: Your dentist should be happy to listen to your concerns and treat you as an individual, not just another patient on their list.
4. Accreditation & Credentials
Find out where the dentist went to college and where they attended dental school. Did they receive any awards or pursue any advanced training?
Next, consider their professional memberships and affiliations. Being a member of the ADA or ISDA, for example, involves more than just a plaque on the wall. It proves that the dentist stays up-to-date with the latest industry practices and pursues continuing education in their field.
It also shows that the dentist adheres to the organization’s treatment standards and code of conduct. Just like doctors take the Hippocratic oath, accredited dentists also vow to provide ethical, compassionate treatment for each of their patients. They empower the patient by educating them about their health and then respecting their right to make decisions about their treatment.
5. Practical Considerations
Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the convenience factor of your chosen Idaho family dentist.
For starters, what are their regular office hours? Are they open early in the morning, late in the evenings, or on the weekends? What about dental emergencies — can you reach them after-hours if you need urgent dental care?
Take a look at your family’s schedules and choose a dentist that is available when you are available. You don’t want to lose a day of work or take the kids out of school every time someone needs a checkup.
You also need to consider the physical office location. Is it centrally located to your home, school, or office? Will it be easy to get to when you have an appointment, or will you have to drive a considerable distance out of your way?
If possible, stop in and visit the office before you schedule a consultation. Is the clinic neat, tidy, modern, and clean? Do you feel comfortable and warmly welcomed when you step inside? Do the employees and other patients seem happy?
The Best Dentist in Meridian, Idaho
Ideally, your family dentist is someone you’ll build a relationship with and visit for years to come. But you’ll only be able to build trust and rapport if you locate the best Idaho family dentist.
If you’re on the hunt for a Meridian dentist, Boise Family Dental Care ticks all of the boxes above. Our compassionate team is ready to assist you and your family with all of your dental needs. We proudly serve patients in Boise, Meridian, and the surrounding areas.
Would you like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment? Use our convenient contact form or give us a call at 208-291-6794.
