What To Consider When Looking for a Dentist
Choosing a dental practice requires careful consideration of several important factors that will impact your long-term satisfaction and oral health outcomes. The right dentist should offer more than just technical skills – they should provide a complete experience that makes you feel confident and comfortable with your care.
Location and Accessibility: Convenience plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent dental visits. Look for a practice that’s easily accessible from your home or workplace in Urbandale, IA, with adequate parking and flexible scheduling options. A conveniently located office makes it easier to keep regular appointments and handle any urgent dental needs that may arise.
Range of Services: Comprehensive dental practices save you time and provide continuity of care by offering multiple services in one location. Consider whether the practice provides preventive care, cosmetic treatments, orthodontics, and emergency services. This approach allows you to build a long-term relationship with your dental team while receiving all the care your family needs.
Technology and Equipment: Modern dental technology can significantly improve your treatment experience and outcomes. Look for practices that invest in digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, laser dentistry, and other advanced equipment. These technologies often result in more accurate diagnoses, less invasive procedures, and faster recovery times.
Office Environment and Staff: The atmosphere of a dental office can greatly impact your comfort level during visits. Pay attention to cleanliness, organization, and the friendliness of the staff. A welcoming environment with knowledgeable, caring team members can make even complex procedures feel manageable.
Insurance and Payment Options: Financial considerations matter when selecting a dental practice. Verify that your chosen dentist accepts your insurance plan and offers flexible payment options for treatments your insurance doesn’t cover. Many practices provide financing options or payment plans to help make quality dental care more affordable.
Emergency Care Availability: Dental emergencies don’t follow regular business hours. Consider whether your potential dentist provides after-hours emergency care or has arrangements with other practitioners for urgent situations. Quick access to emergency dental services can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Questions to Ask A Potential Dentist in Urbandale
Before committing to a new dental practice, asking the right questions helps you make an informed decision about your oral health care. These conversations provide insight into the dentist’s approach, experience, and ability to meet your specific needs.
What is your approach to preventive care?
Understanding how a dentist approaches prevention gives you insight into their philosophy and helps you determine if it aligns with your health goals. Dr. Erickson emphasizes patient education and preventive strategies that help patients maintain healthy smiles between visits.
How do you handle dental anxiety?
If you experience dental anxiety, discussing comfort measures and sedation options upfront is essential. Many patients find that knowing their options ahead of time significantly reduces their stress about upcoming procedures.
What continuing education do you pursue?
Dentistry constantly evolves with new techniques, materials, and technologies. A dentist committed to continuing education demonstrates dedication to providing the best possible care using current methods and innovations.
Can you provide references or testimonials?
Patient testimonials and reviews offer valuable insights into the experience of receiving care from a particular dentist. Many practices are happy to share success stories or connect you with satisfied patients who can speak about their experiences.
What is your policy on follow-up care?
Quality dental care extends beyond the initial treatment. Ask about post-treatment support, follow-up appointments, and how the practice handles any concerns or complications that might arise after procedures.
How do you stay current with dental technology?
Technology can significantly impact treatment outcomes and patient comfort. Inquire about the equipment and techniques used in the practice, and how often they upgrade their technology to provide the best possible care.
What payment options and financing do you offer?
Clear communication about costs and payment options prevents misunderstandings later. Ask about insurance acceptance, payment plans, and whether the practice provides cost estimates before beginning treatment.
Why Choose Us
Hickman Family Dental stands out in the Urbandale dental community through our unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence. Our practice philosophy centers on treating each patient as a unique individual with specific needs, concerns, and goals for their oral health.
Comprehensive Family Care
We provide complete dental services for patients of all ages, from pediatric care that makes children comfortable with dental visits to advanced treatments for complex adult dental needs. This comprehensive approach means your entire family can receive consistent, high-quality care from professionals who know your dental history and individual preferences.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Our investment in modern dental technology directly benefits our patients through more comfortable procedures, accurate diagnoses, and better treatment outcomes. Digital imaging reduces radiation exposure while providing clearer pictures for diagnosis. Laser technology allows for more precise treatments with less discomfort and faster healing times.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on their specific oral health status, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Dr. Erickson takes time to explain treatment options, answer questions, and work with patients to develop realistic timelines and budgets for their dental care.
Comfortable, Welcoming Environment
Our office design prioritizes patient comfort with amenities that help you relax during your visit. From comfortable seating in our waiting area to the latest comfort features in our treatment rooms, every detail is planned to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.
Flexible Scheduling and Emergency Care
We recognize that dental needs don’t always fit into regular business hours. Our flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles, and our emergency care protocols help you get the urgent treatment you need when unexpected dental problems arise.
Community Involvement
As a locally-owned practice, we’re deeply invested in the Urbandale, IA community. Our involvement in local events and organizations reflects our commitment to being more than just a dental office – we’re neighbors who care about the well-being of everyone in our community.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Dr. Erickson and our team regularly participate in continuing education programs to stay current with the latest developments in dental care. This commitment to professional growth means our patients benefit from the most current techniques and treatment options available.
