Oral health is an integral part of general well-being; going to the dentist regularly can improve it and keep potential problems or diseases away. By making an appointment and preparing for the visit, you can go to the dentist whenever you need it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Make an Appointment
Step 1. Find a dentist who works in your area
Relying on a professional you appreciate allows you to build a relationship of trust that is useful for the health of the oral cavity. Do some research among the doctors who work in your area of residence to find the one you prefer and get checked out regularly.
- Ask friends and family to recommend their dentist or one they have contacted in the past; most people don't recommend a professional they don't value.
- Read reviews online or in magazines and newspapers.
- If you have a private health policy, call the company to find out if you need to go to a contracted professional or if you can pay an extra fee to have more freedom of choice.
- Make a list of potential doctors and write down the positive factors that lead you to choose each of them.
Step 2. Call the various dental offices
Call the doctor you would like to go to to find out if he accepts new patients; if not, call the next clinic on the list.
- Provide reception staff with some basic information, such as whether or not you have a private health insurance policy.
- Communicate any other relevant information, for example if you are afraid of the dentist or suffer from some important oral problem.
Step 3. Make an appointment
Once you have chosen the doctor you feel comfortable with, set a date for the visit; by doing so, you are sure to honor the commitment and improve mouth health.
- Choose a time early in the morning so that you are less likely to have to wait a long time in the waiting room. Inform the employee answering the phone that you prefer to be visited in the morning.
- Accept any appointments that are offered to you. Tell the receptionist that you are flexible in terms of both date and time, which could help you get the visit just when you want.
- Be nice and polite to the staff on the phone.
Step 4. Inform them of the reason for the visit
Provide the operator with a brief description of why you need a dental check-up; in this way, he can understand if the doctor's field of specialization is compatible with your needs and give you an approximate idea of the duration of the visit.
Briefly describe your needs in a sentence or two; for example, you can say that you are a new patient who needs a follow-up visit or that you want to make an appointment for a routine cleaning
Step 5. Ask for some references
If your chosen doctor cannot give you an appointment, find out if they work with a colleague or if they can recommend another dentist they know; doctors often work in associated practices to offer their services to numerous patients.
- If he can't make an appointment, ask for the names of a couple of other doctors or go back to your list.
- Check that the dentist you were recommended has an agreement with your insurance company, if you have one.
Step 6. Thank the staff
Remember to acknowledge the efforts each studio has made to be able to offer you an appointment; this little foresight could make things easier if you need to contact them again in the future.
Step 7. Call the doctor who has been suggested to you
If the dentist you chose first recommended a colleague, contact the office; politely inform the operator that another dentist has suggested his or her surgery and ask if you can get an appointment.
Be polite and flexible as much as possible so that you are more likely to get a visit and make a good impression
Part 2 of 2: Go to the Dentist
Step 1. Arrive early
Make sure to show up early for your appointment to have time to fill out all the necessary documentation and to provide some useful information, such as your insurance policy details.
- Call a day or two before the scheduled date to confirm the appointment.
- Notify the office if you are late or need to postpone your visit. The sooner you call the doctor's office, the more likely the staff can find a good solution.
- Bring your insurance information and any other important information with you, such as the prescription drugs you are taking or the names of other doctors who are treating you. The firm may also have emailed you forms that you need to submit on the day of your visit.
Step 2. Talk to the dentist
Good communication is the foundation of any doctor-patient relationship. Discuss with your dentist before, during and after the procedures to understand what he is doing and to have less fear or anxiety.
- If you wish and it is possible, organize an introductory meeting before the actual appointment.
- Ask him any questions that arise and answer his.
- Be open and honest. Tell them any medical conditions you have, any dental problems you complain about, or any medications you are taking.
- If you are anxious or afraid, tell them so they can establish a personalized intervention procedure. Being honest about past fears and experiences allows your dentist to treat you more effectively.
- Ask him to inform you of what he does during the treatment; remember that you have a right to know what is happening.
- It is important to establish a good personal relationship with your doctor, as it helps him to heal you better and allows you to feel comfortable. Dental jobs require concentration, but also good interaction with patients.
Step 3. Use relaxation techniques
They allow you to have a more pleasant experience and there are several, from breathing exercises to medications that calm you before visits, especially if you are afraid of the dentist.
- Try nitrous oxide, sedatives, or anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam, to relax during your visit. Your dentist can administer them to you before and during the procedure.
- If you are really terrified, ask to be prescribed anxiolytics to take before your appointment.
- Ask him if you can take any anxiety medications that have been prescribed for you by another doctor. it is an important precaution to avoid the risk of dangerous interactions between drugs.
- Using sedatives during treatment could add to costs, and health insurance may not recognize them.
- Try breathing exercises. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath and exhale for another 4 seconds. As you inhale think of the word "let go" and as you exhale think of "go", to make the relaxation even deeper.
Step 4. Distract yourself
Many dentists currently offer several devices to distract patients during the visit; accepting an offer to listen to music or watch television may help you calm down.
- Grab your earphones if you wish, but remember that all dental office equipment is sterilized between patients.
- If your doctor doesn't offer ways to distract you, ask if you can listen to music or an audiobook during the procedure.
Step 5. Follow the instructions for further care
Your doctor will likely indicate treatments that you will need to do next, such as additional procedures, special cleaning routines, or simply the date of your next visit. Remember to take the sheets with all his instructions to make sure you follow them.
- Ask him any questions that come to mind about subsequent care or the instructions he has given you about cleaning and hygiene procedures.
- Get any prescriptions you need, including medications or dental impressions.
Step 6. Return to check-in before leaving
When you have finished the visit, discussed with the doctor the next appointments and plans for the future, go back to the administrative staff who inform you if you have to pay and propose the date for the next check-ups.
- Ask questions about insurance coverage or payment methods, so you don't forget to honor it.
- Inform staff that you need additional appointments and for what reason; however, he should already have the report with the doctor's instructions available.
- Thank the receptionist for their help.
Step 7. Visit your dentist regularly
Being examined on a timely basis for cleaning and checks reduces the risk of serious pathologies of the oral cavity. Make appointments annually or as often as your dentist recommends to improve dental health and general well-being.
