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How to call & make your own dental appointment (USA)! A thread written by someone in the dental field 
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1. Find the right office
2. You've found one! Now what?
3. Medical Issues
4. Most Important !!!
:1. Find the right office
2. You've found one! Now what?
3. Medical Issues
4. Most Important !!!
1. Finding the right office for you: This will differ depending on whether you have insurance (see 1.1) or don't have insurance (see 1.2) and other (see 1.3)
1.1 Insurance: Call your insurance company & ask them to provide you with the name of a dental office that is in-network for you. This means that they'll take your insurance & you'll be able to be seen there. You (the patient) are expected to understand your insurance & fees.
1.2 No Insurance: Search in Google for "New Patient Specials" offered by offices near u. They'll get you in for a full examination for a set fee. These offices usually have an in-house discount plan you can then purchase that drastically reduces dental fees. You'll be paying OOP.
1.3 Other: You can go out of network to a dental office but this means that your insurance doesn't really apply there and you won't be using as much of your benefits and you'll be paying more OOP (out of pocket.) Ideally, try to find something in-network with your insurance.
1.35 Open market dental plans are also an option, where you basically "shop" for your own insurance online. This requires a bit more research and knowledge. If you're having an issue or just want to get a full exam (w/o insurance) try the "New Patient Special" suggested in 1.2
2. You've found your office! Now what?
You have your insurance information (or don't have any) and are ready to call an office you've found. Before you call, you need to know why you're calling. Are you in pain? (2.1) Or just want a check up? (2.2)
You have your insurance information (or don't have any) and are ready to call an office you've found. Before you call, you need to know why you're calling. Are you in pain? (2.1) Or just want a check up? (2.2)
2.1 In Pain: Call the office and let them know that you aren't an existing patient but that you are in pain. They'll ask you for insurance info (which you have or don't already!) and then to describe what's bothering you. Let them know whats wrong and the location for the tooth.
2.15 Example: "Hi, I'm not an existing patient but I am in pain and would like to be seen by the doctor. I have XYZ insurance OR I don't have insurance but saw you have a NP discount in place."
"My upper right last tooth has been bothering me for a week. It's sensitive to cold."
"My upper right last tooth has been bothering me for a week. It's sensitive to cold."
2.2. A check-up: "Hi, I would like to establish myself as a patient of your office. I have XYZ insurance or I don't have insurance but saw you have a NP discount in place."
Bonus if they ask when your last dental appointment was and you can let them know.
Bonus if they ask when your last dental appointment was and you can let them know.
3. Medical:
While scheduling your appt, it's important to let them know if you:
1. Are pregnant
2. Have heart conditions
3. Have artificial joints
4. Have had surgery recently
While scheduling your appt, it's important to let them know if you:
1. Are pregnant
2. Have heart conditions
3. Have artificial joints
4. Have had surgery recently
3.1 All of the above may require clearance from your primary doctor before any dental treatment. You can let the dental office know if you fall under 1 - 4 and they'll let you know whether they require clearance before your appt c:
4. THE MOST IMPORTANT!!!
I know going to the dentist isn't always pleasant and can be extremely nerve wracking. We understand this as dental professionals and will try our best to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible. If you're feeling anxious or need a break..
I know going to the dentist isn't always pleasant and can be extremely nerve wracking. We understand this as dental professionals and will try our best to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible. If you're feeling anxious or need a break..
during your appt it's OKAY to let the assistant/doctor know. Your health and comfort is our priority. We're here for you and your health. We want nothing but to educate and help improve our patients lives.
Also, I know there is a fear of judgement as well. Rest assured that...
Also, I know there is a fear of judgement as well. Rest assured that...
the workers won't be judging your teeth. We're here to help you, not judge you. We understand that sometimes life gets in the way and years can go by before you go back to the dentist. It's okay!! The important thing is that you're here now and ready to be seen.
And yes, x-rays ARE necessary. Dentists don't have x-ray vision, they can't see cavities with the naked eye. X-rays are needed for the doctor to be able to properly diagnosis your treatment. Radiation levels are low, your exposure is low, and you'll have a lead apron placed on u.
Lastly, ask questions if you don't understand something they've said. Their job is to educate you so if you don't know how to floss, don't know what a crown is, don't know what decay means. Just ask! We want you to understand what's going on in your own mouth. It's YOUR health.
End of Thread: This is really long, sorry! I hope it covers everything or at least gives some sort of direction. If anyone sees this and has a question feel free to DM me! This is just my advice as someone who has been working in the field for years c:
I may not have touched on everything but this is a good jumping off point to start.
You got this c:
You got this c:
