Selecting the right dentist in Naperville, IL, for your family is extremely important for long-term, good oral health. A family dentist isn’t someone who just sees you twice a year for checkups and cleanings, though these preventive visits are extremely important. Your dentist should be a trusted partner who helps your family gain and maintain good oral health for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. You have hundreds of options for a dentist in the Chicagoland area, so using a checklist will make the decision process easier. This simple patient checklist will help you narrow down your options as an informed, wise patient.
Located in Naperville, IL, Thomas F. Brown, DDS, Family & Sedation Dentistry is accepting new patients. We address the whole patient, so you can expect to feel welcome and well cared for in our office. What does “whole patient” mean? We factor in your past dental experiences and current feelings about dental visits, as well as the state of your overall oral and physical health, current X-rays, medications, treatments, and existing dental work. Your goals will become our goals, and together, we will work towards excellent oral health and unforgettable smiles for your family. Call us today at (630) 296-9186 to schedule your appointment.
Dental Patient Checklist for Choosing a New Dentist
1. Prioritize Education, Credentials, and Continuing Education
The American Dental Association, known as the ADA, reports that there are over 201 thousand dentists in the United States, and while all require licensure, not all prioritize ongoing education. Dr. Brown and our team take courses each year to stay abreast of the latest offerings in both clinical dentistry and office administration. When interviewing dentists in Naperville, IL, consider these points:
- Annual continuing education in various types of dentistry, new technology, and new treatment options
- Technology should include digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and the things you want, like 3D cone-beam imaging, CAD/CAM for one-visit crowns, and laser dentistry
- The core philosophy of the practice should include minimally invasive, preventive treatment and patient education
Professionals who love their work enjoy learning about new developments in the dental field, so they can bring their patients the latest and greatest care. Dr. Brown offers all of the points above, in addition to patient comfort and safety.
2. Choose a Dentist Who Sees Patients of All Ages
Do you have a family? Whether you are a new parent or have a houseful of children, and if you take care of aging relatives, choosing a dentist who will care for the whole family will make dental visits more convenient. Actually liking your dentist’s personality is also important. How will your parents and children feel about the dentist you choose?
It’s important that you understand why you need a dentist who will see your entire family.
- 42% of kids aged 2 to 11 have cavities
- 25% of adults have at least one untreated cavity
- About 70% of seniors suffer from gum disease
Dr. Brown gladly treats patients of all ages, from all walks of life. Our team adores kids and we cherish our older patients, too. In addition to preventive, restorative, and prosthetic dentistry, we offer a full scope of cosmetic dental treatments, as well as TMJ treatments, dental implants, and emergency dental care.
3. Investigate the Dental Office’s Environment and Team Cooperation
Have you ever felt rushed at a dental appointment? Have you left wondering what the next steps should entail? Have you experienced a lack of communication and a negative attitude from dental team members? If you select a solid, reliable, reputable family dentist, one backed by a trained and skilled team who are held accountable, your whole understanding of “a good visit” will change.
In a good dental office, you’ll notice:
- A friendly, unhurried but efficient team
- A receptionist who is kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable
- Patient education should be clear so that you fully understand your treatment plan
- Costs and insurance are priorities for you, so they should be important to your dentist and team; expect full explanations before treatment begins
- For larger cases, a dentist who offers third-party financing can help make care affordable
- Your comfort should be prioritized throughout all appointments and procedures
- The office hours need to suit your family’s busy schedule
- The dentist needs to accept new patients at this time
4. Find a Dentist to Meet All of YOUR Family’s Oral Care Needs
Make a list of the unique dental, comfort, and medical needs of your family members. Do you have any special needs family members who need extra special care? Do any family members suffer from dental phobia or pain when sitting in one position for more than an hour? These issues shouldn’t be shelved or ignored. They should be preventively addressed.
Dr. Brown sees special needs patients, those who have a fear of the dentist, and those who struggle to sit comfortably through treatments. We love all of our patients and their diversity of needs and goals.
Consider these points when interviewing a new dentist in Naperville, IL:
- Preventive care for all ages
- Cosmetic treatments
- Restorations and prosthodontics, like crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures
- Your family’s unique needs
5. Read Testimonials to Ensure the Dentist Has a Good Reputation
As a Naperville, IL, dentist, Dr. Brown’s goal is to forge long-term patient relationships while offering a comforting and welcoming office atmosphere. We aim to be gentle and thorough.
Visit Google Reviews for the offices on your list of potential dentists.
Here’s what Dr. Brown’s patients are saying:
“My experience was very comfortable and friendly by both Dr. Claudia and her assistant Carmen. I needed a new crown because my existing one had cracked and they were able to complete the whole process during the same day! Always checking my comfort level they had me at ease the whole time. Feels great today! Thank you Carmen and Dr. Claudia- you’re a great team!”- MK
“I really like this dental office! I have had one tooth extracted and a couple crowns at this office. The team is competent and uses all the new technology. Always gentle and easy atmosphere. I will have all future work done here.” – TM
“Went there on an emergency appointment as I didn’t have a dentist. What a surprise! I was greeted and treated as though I was a patient of many years. Everyone was very, very friendly and very professional. Dr. Santiago was very thorough and answered all my questions and any concerns I had. The facility and procedures are modern, and the entire staff from receptionists to treatment plan coordinator are warm, welcoming, and proficient in making my dental experience much more comfortable and far less stressful than I was expecting.” – BS
Did We Make Your List?
Call us today at (630) 296-9186 to schedule your visit, or schedule online, and be sure to reserve appointments for the whole family. We want to serve you and your loved ones now and for years to come with excellent clinical dentistry and superb customer service. If this blog helped you, share it with your friends. Everyone deserves a great dentist.