If you’re like most people, you’ve likely been going to the same dentist for years. You feel safe and comfortable in their clinic, and they know your particular dental concerns quite well. And you probably had to search far and wide and try different clinics before you finally found them. Hence, it can be difficult to accept that you’ll have to leave your favorite dentist behind if you decide to move to a different country such as Guam. And the thought of having to start looking for a dentist all over again can be quite a headache. That being said, how exactly do you find the best dentist if you don’t know where to begin? Here are a few tips that can help:
Ask for Recommendations from Your Current Dentist
Like most medical professionals, your current dentist is likely part of a network and knows someone in Guam who can provide the dental services that you need. Hence, you may want to try asking them for any possible recommendations, especially since they’re most familiar with your dental history and requirements. And even if your current dentist doesn’t know any dentists in Guam, they might know someone else who does, so it’s always worth a shot.
Have Your Dental Records Transferred
While you’re preparing for the move, don’t forget to coordinate with your current dentist’s clinic regarding your records. Ask them to prepare these ahead of time so that they can be transferred over as soon as you find a new dentist. Due to privacy and confidentiality issues, they may not be able to transfer this information so quickly. Hence, it’s in your best interest to do this in advance.
This is an important step that you shouldn’t skip. Your new dentist will need to be up to speed on all of your previous dental health conditions, surgeries, complications, and all the work that you’ve had done so far. This information can also help your new dentist determine how to best continue with your treatment. Hence, transferring your records ahead of time makes this process much smoother and can prevent any complications down the line.
Research Your Prospective Dentists Well
To find the right dentist, you need to perform due diligence and research. So take advantage of the popularity and usefulness of social media to learn more about the dentists in your area. Look up their website and check out what their previous patients have to say about their services. Their reviews can give you more insight into the quality of service provided by their dentists. If you know anyone in your area who is or used to be a patient of any of your prospects, ask them to share their experiences and feedback with you. Doing all these can help you make a more well-informed decision.
Consult the American Dental Association (ADA)
Once you’ve created a list of potential candidates, it’s time to look further into their credentials. You don’t have to be a dentistry expert to know if a certain dentist is good for you or not. For starters, you can check out the ADA database to find the information that you need. ADA has a comprehensive list of accredited dentists who have met their requirements when it comes to skills, professionalism, and business practices. Put simply, any reputable dentist can likely be found on the ADA website. You can also look for a certified dentist in Guam using the ADA Find a Dentist tool.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Some insurance firms provide dental coverage plans and will likely have a list of dentists in each area that are covered by certain policies. That said, it’s a good idea to look for dentists in your area that accept your current dental insurance plan. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on your dental care.
Take Advantage of Free Consultations
If any of the dentists that you’re considering provide a complimentary initial consultation, you may want to schedule one with them. Many dentists don’t mind meeting potential new patients, as this is a chance to discuss your specific dental care needs and how they can help you. You can use this time to ask them any questions you may have and find out if they are a good fit for you.
Remember to be open and transparent about your dental history and requirements during the consultation. This is especially important if you’re currently in the middle of a treatment plan and need to find a dentist who can continue the work that was already started.
Finding the right dentist in Guam can be challenging. However, the process isn’t necessarily impossible as long as you do enough research and preparation. Whatever you do, though, don’t rush through things. Take your time and trust your gut, and you’re sure to find a great dentist in your area soon enough.
