How do I find the best place to get dental work done?
Did you know there are nearly 8,000 practicing dentists in Michigan? If you’re seeking a new oral healthcare provider, you might feel overwhelmed by the many different options. To find just the right provider, it helps to first establish the qualities that matter most to you.
For instance, do you need someone who is in-network with your dental insurance company, or are you seeking someone who can provide a specific treatment, like cosmetic services or dental implants? Answering these sorts of questions for yourself can help direct your search and identify a dentist who can meet your unique needs.
How much does a dental check-up and cleaning cost in Sterling Heights?
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a routine appointment with your dentist in Sterling Heights every six months. This allows them to monitor your condition to catch and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they progress into real problems.
However, if it’s been a while since your last exam, you might worry that you can’t afford basic preventive services and avoid scheduling an appointment. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $300 for a routine visit, though it depends significantly on your unique situation.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
Are you curious about what qualifies your provider to practice on patients? All dentists in the United States must meet rigorous requirements to be licensed, starting with their education. Once they’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in a related field, they must earn either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from one of more than 70 programs accredited by the American Dental Association. Typically, their degree combines extensive classroom learning with real-life experience through residencies.
Then, providers can opt to focus on one or more of 12 specialties recognized by the ADA, like periodontics, prosthodontics, or endodontics. At our office in Sterling Heights, Dr. Young graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has completed additional advanced courses on oral surgery and bone grafting, and Dr. Samona graduated at the top of his class at the same school before continuing his education with additional training in various topics.
What’s the best way to find a cosmetic dentist?
Although cosmetic dental procedures are incredibly popular, this field of dentistry isn’t one of the 12 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. That means that essentially any licensed dentist can claim to be an expert in aesthetics.
To identify a skilled practitioner, it’s a good idea to inquire about their experience and education with various services. There are different programs and certifications for specific treatment options, and most dentists are happy to share their credentials, so you feel confident in their abilities. For example, Dr. Samona has completed continuing educational classes in different areas of expertise, including Invisalign.
You can also inquire whether a potential provider participates in professional organizations geared towards cosmetics, like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?
If you’re worried that you can’t afford dental care, you’re not alone. Many people avoid scheduling everything from routine checkups to more complex treatments when they’re worried about the price. Dental insurance is one easy way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses because it typically covers 100% of preventive care and anywhere from 50% to 80% of additional procedures and repairs.
However, not everyone carries a policy, so you can ask your dentist if they offer other methods to make services more accessible. For example, our Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights team offers in-house memberships and flexible financial packages to help you pay for different services.
