Comparing Dentists in Raleigh, NC?
If you’ve relocated to North Carolina’s Triangle area or are considering changing dentists, Raleigh, NC has a lot to offer! You may have already discovered that there are more than 250 licensed dentists in Raleigh, NC. For that reason, most people need some help with narrowing the field and making the best selection for themselves and their families.
Services Vary Widely Among Dentists in Raleigh, NC
All general dentists in Raleigh NC do not offer the same services. Some continue to focus on traditional general dentistry – periodic exams and restorative work, while others have chosen one or more specific focus areas for their services. Some distinctions – such as a pediatric dentists – are obvious, but some of the other types can create confusion for those comparing dentists in Raleigh, NC.
Cosmetic dentistry is one term that also readily begins to communicate an intended focus for the practice’s services. The term is usually an indication of that Raleigh dentist’s commitment of time and resources to develop expertise to perform services that other dentists may not offer – such as porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, and orthodontics. However, because the use of the term “cosmetic dentist” requires no special certification (except a general dentistry license) from the NC Dental Board, consumers shouldn’t make assumptions about the training and experience of cosmetic dentists in Raleigh NC. (Recommendations on evaluating credentials appears below.)
Some dentists in Raleigh, NC who offer a broader range of services than others refer to their practices as comprehensive dentistry. While comprehensive insurance for your car in North Carolina has a very specific legal meaning, the relatively new use of the comprehensive term in the field of dentistry is not regulated by the NC Dental Board. The result is that its meaning can vary among practices. One reason to consider dentists in Raleigh, NC who provide comprehensive dentistry is for the convenience of having a single practice provide nearly every dental service you and family members will need over time. That means no records to transfer, no additional forms to fill out, no new office to find if you occasionally or regularly need a variety of other special treatments – periodontal treatments, wisdom teeth extractions, root canals, etc. The term doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never have to go to a dental specialist. Under circumstances where the patient has a very unusual or complex situation, the comprehensive dentist would refer you to a specialist who is likely to have more experience with those rare conditions.
If comprehensive dentists in Raleigh NC sound appealing for you or other family members, remember to compare and evaluate the range of services provided, as well as the individual dentist’s credentials, in conjunction with current and future needs. Here’s one list of comprehensive dentistry services that is broader than that provided by some dentists in Raleigh, NC.
What Services Do You Want Your Dentist in Raleigh, NC to Provide?
You and your family’s needs could easily extend beyond those offered by some comprehensive dentists in Raleigh, NC. You or a family member might be interested in smile enhancement with cosmetic dentistry services (braces, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, etc.) or dental implants. Some dentists in Raleigh, NC prefer to focus almost exclusively on cosmetic dentistry and do not offer comprehensive dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is another service to consider as you narrow your field of prospective dentists in Raleigh, NC. Consider this service if you (or a family member) experience anxiety, have especially sensitive teeth, or are interested in faster cosmetic dentistry results. Sometimes, but not always, sedation will allow your dentist to accomplish in a single visit what might otherwise require multiple visits. Because of the limited number of dentists in Raleigh, NC who are licensed to provide sedation dentistry services, that may be a good starting point for narrowing your search if you have an interest in the service. With the growing popularity of sedation dentistry, the NC Dental Board implemented new guidelines in 2009 for administering sedation to help ensure patient safety. A multi-faceted formal accreditation process now exists. It is possible that some general dentists in Raleigh NC who once promoted the service have not yet achieved accreditation under the new guidelines. Be certain to inquire whether the dentist is currently licensed by the NC State Dental Board to practice sedation dentistry if the service is of interest to you.
Other Things to Consider in Comparing Dentists in Raleigh, NC
A word-of-mouth referral can be a great starting point, but remember that a friend’s dental needs can vary significantly from your own needs or those of your family members. While focusing on what the complete set of needs are, be sure to also evaluate the credentials of the prospective dentists in Raleigh, NC as they relate to the types of services you will potentially need. These are a few tips that can guide you in your evaluation.
- Consider the dental school where the dentist obtained his or her DDS (Doctorate of Dental Surgery). Unfortunately, there is no official national ranking of dental schools, but “unofficial” lists do exist. For those comparing dentists in Raleigh, NC, it can be helpful to know that UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry is typically mentioned as one of the top national schools on those unofficial lists.
- Besides comparing dentistry schools, evaluate or inquire about additional special training that general dentists in Raleigh, NC may have received. Some dentists, for example, may have practiced in settings with a primary focus on orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry services. Experience matters and should influence your choice of both dental and medical service providers.
- Understand which of the dentists in Raleigh, NC are using newer technology and treatment approaches. Advances in technology can enable greater precision in dentistry – something that can make a difference not only in the outcome but also in how long it takes for you to recover from a procedure, such as a crown placement. Special technology and procedures can also help you maintain good oral health. Ask prospective dentists in Raleigh, NC to explain the newer services and technologies their respective practices offer. Also remember to ask how long the dentist has been using the technologies that may affect you. Of course, some degree of caution in technology adoption is certainly a good attribute for any dentist to have. Some may elect to use newer technologies in conjunction with special precautions, until more conclusive evidence exists about the effects on long-term oral health. That’s a good thing! Responses to this type of inquiry can open up interesting comparison points among your prospective list of dentists in Raleigh, NC.
- Evaluate professional affiliations to gain additional insight on each dentist’s activity within the broader dental community. Active affiliations can demonstrate a dentist’s interest in learning about the latest research and dentistry products coming to market. National affiliations include the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentists, the National Society of Dental Practitioners, and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. When specifically comparing dentists in Raleigh, NC, look for membership in both the North Carolina Dental Society and the Wake County Dental Society. (Don’t confuse the NC Dental Society professional affiliation with the certification by the NC Dental Board – the state’s dental regulatory body.)
Financial Options Can Vary Among Dentists in Raleigh, NC
When comparing dentists in Raleigh NC, find out how the practice handles insurance if you have dental insurance. Also ask whether the dentist provides payment plans if there are extensive short-term or long-range dental needs. Good questions to ask about dental insurance include:
- Does the practice file the insurance claim?
- If the practice does file the claim, will you be required to make the full up-front payment and then wait to be reimbursed by the insurance company?
- Will the practice let you finance the balance that remains after insurance pays?
Hopefully, this information will help you logically compare various dentists in Raleigh NC and make the best choice for you and your family. Get the facts before you make a decision!
