How to Choose a Great Family Dentist

It can be difficult to choose a family dentist - a google search returns a list of options, buthow do you know which dentist will actually serve your family well? With so many factors to consider, we’ve broken down five key attributes you should seek out to ensure that the dentist you choose is the best fit for you and your family. If any one of these five indicators is missing, it may be a sign that you need to continue to look further.

If you’re seeking a Fargo family dentist, we’re here to help, and getting started with us is easy. If you’re not from the area, this guide to choosing a family dentist is still an excellent reference, no matter if you’ve recently moved, have recently grown your family, or are just looking for a change.

What makes for a great family dentist? 

Let's explore the factors to consider when it comes to finding a good dentist for you and your family in Fargo.

1. They accept your insurance

Make sure the dentist accepts your insurance and is reasonably priced.

South University Dental Insurance accepts many different insurance plans and providers, and has a transparent process for communicating all costs. It’s important that you work with a dentist who is affordable, and will work with you to make the payment process simple and clear. Your dentist should provide quality care at a reasonable cost, even if your family is on a budget. If you have dental insurance, and the dentist you’re considering does not accept it, it's likely worth switching. you should strongly consider choosing a different dentist that can work with the insurance that you have, which can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

If you don't have insurance, it's especially important that your dentist is committed to providing a reasonable price, because you'll be paying the full amount yourself. Make sure you work with a dentist who is open and transparent about all costs before they are incurred, so there are no surprises.

2. They have the right credentials and are continuing their education

Dentistry is always improving as new technology is developed, and it is important that their dental equipment stays up to date. It's equally important that your dentist continues to learn new techniques and practices. Many dentists fail to remain current on their knowledge, and as a result, are not able to provide you with the latest care. This is especailly troublesome when you're looking for a family dentist, since newer equipment and procedures are often less painful than older procedures and techniques. While this factor is important, it may not be immediately apparent when you first look at a dentist's website; if they are not listed as a member of the American Dental Association, it's best that you pass, and find a dentist that is.

At South University Dental associates, our dentists keep up-to-date with the latest technology and accreditation. Here's just some of the continuing education that they participate in:

  • Members of the American Dental Associate
  • Members of the North Dakota Dental Association
  • Have served as presidents and leaders of dental societies and clubs
  • Have graduated from top dental schools and programs
  • Participate in regular continuing education on modern technologies and techniques

If it's not clear that the dentist you're evaluating is continuing to educate themselves on the latest technologies and techniques, you may want to look elsewhere. This is especially true for those seeking a new dentist for their family, since more modern technology and approaches tend to be less painful, faster, and provide a quicker recovery.

Looking for a dental office that is committed to continuing education and new equipment will ensure that you and your family are always receiving the highest quality of care. 

3. They are able to provide a good first experience for your family

Some dentists are personable with adults, but when it comes to working with children, they often struggle to build a connection. It’s important that your children attend a dentist that prioritizes emotional wellbeing and overall experience, in addition to their oral health. If your children children or teenagers see regular dentist visits as a positive experience, you’ll be instilling in them a lifetime habit of regular dental care that will improve their oral health for a lifetime.

But a great experience is not just important for your children. You also want a dentist that is comfortable, and friendly. You should look for a dentist that will not be judgmental, but instead work with you and your family to provide you with the best care possible. It may seem trivial, but a comfortable waiting area designed for families is important as well.

You will also want to look for a dentist that can truly meet all of your dental needs. For example, some dentists do not work with very young children, do not provide braces, or do not provide cosmetic services that you may be looking for. South University Dental Associates provides a wide range of dental services to meet all the needs of you and your entire family, so you can get all your work done in one place. 

4. They are in a location that is convenient to you

Make sure your dentist is in a convenient location, but this goes beyond simply proximity to your home. Consider a dentist that is central to your home, your work, and your children's school if needed. Choosing a location that is easy to access from any of these locations will make it more convenient to fit your regular dental appointments into your busy calendar.

For this, a central location is key. for example, our dental office is near I94, so it is quick to access from anywhere in the Fargo Moorhead area. No matter what city you live in, make sure to choose a location that is close to the places you'll be most often traveling to, and traveling from.

Other important location factors to consider are availability of parking, accessibility, and comfortability or the location. If anyone in your family has limited mobility, make sure you visit a dentist like South University Dental Associates that can accommodate those unique needs.

5. They receive great reviews

Reviews are an important factor to consider when searching for a family dentist, because they give you an honest look at what the experience is like, often directly from other new patients. If a dentist has troubling reviews, it may be a good idea to consider working with someone else instead.

Look especially for what reviewers say about a dentist's demeanor with children or teenagers to get a sense of what your own family is likely to experience.  Some review sources to consider include Google, Facebook, and PatientConnect.

South University Dental Associates continues to receive consistent, excellent reviews and testimonials, and you can view them here.

Pulling it all together

Each of these factors are important when exploring which Dentist is the right fit for you. While it may seem like a lot of work to explore how your options stack up against these factors, it will end up saving you time, money, and energy in the long run. 

If you’re looking for a Dentist for your family in Fargo, we can help. South University Dental Associates is committed to providing quality, up-to-date care at a reasonable price, while providing a great experience for you and your family. That is why hundreds of people leave positive reviews for the staff and facilities at SUDA. If you’re in the Fargo area and are looking for a dentist, we would love to have you as a new patient.

No matter if you live in Fargo, Moorhead, or anywhere else, make sure that the dentist you choose meets your needs in each of these key areas, and you'll be on your way to a great dental experience.