How to find a dentist?

[mudnuri]

DBF finally got health insurance through work- his own doing that he didnt have it before, but I convinced him during the open enrollment in January to get it.

He has upper dentures due to a tree in the face accident a few years ago, and they need to be adjusted. His insurance pays 80% of it, but he has to find a dentist first.

The original dentist who did the removal of his smashed teeth and dentures is not an option, so how do you find a dentist?

I've had the same dentist as long as I can remember and my dd's go to mine as well. My dentist does not accept his insurance, so thats out....

I looked on his insurance website, and it lists PPO's but not dentists. A few oral/maxiofacial surgeons but not regular dentists.

Thanks
Brandy

 

[powellrj]

I would ask everyone you know who they use, and go from there. Most people love to talk about their Dr's and then you can check out and see if they are covered.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Call 1-800-Dentist for a referral. I found my dentist that way and he turned out to be great.

 

[froglady]

I asked people I knew, and the same name came up more than once. I've been satisfied. However, when DD had to switch from her pediatric dentist (also referred by several friends) to my adult dentist, she HATED him! She has been going to a dentist near her college in PA; he happens to be the son of DH's co-worker.

We do NOT have dental insurance, so it was easier for us to make a choice. But more expensive.

 

[gradtchr]

I found my dentist through word of mouth recommendations. I then scheduled a visit to talk to him and see how I liked him. I absolutely loved him!!

My health insurance does not cover my dental visits though. I had to get dental insurance for that.

 

[Honu]

Ask your dentist if he can recommend one of the doctors participating in your DBF's plan. My dentist recently stopped taking my insurance. I faxed her the list and she referred me to a great one.

 

[SC Minnie]

Would he feel comfortable asking someone he works with who they go to? There wouldn't be the insurance issue then. If not, then ask people you know who they like.

When we moved I ended up choosing a dentist that had a child in DD's class. I had met her a couple of times at school functions and I like her.

 

[rascalmom]

I agree with the other posters who suggested asking around with friends, co-workers, etc. If you are happy with your dentist, call their office & talk to them too. Even though they are not listed in your dbf's book, they might be a provider. (The books & websites that the ins. co's put out aren't always current.) Depending on your insurance, they may accept assignment - the insurance will just pay slightly less if they aren't an enrolled provider. (Depends on whether the insurance is a PPO contract ( you can go to anyone, they just pay at a slightly different scale ), or a capitation plan (you are stuck with the listed dentists). My dh is always glad to give people an honest opinion when needed of the dentists on a patient's list. Other patients will be able to give you an opinion if their dentist is a nice guy, whether they hurt them etc., but another dentist will have likely seen the other dentist's work over the years & will know if that is a good referral.

I don't recommend 1-800-Dentist. That is just a paid referral fee (a rather large one at that) advertising gimmick. They don't actually "screen" dentists or "review" their office or work. Those that pay the fee nearest to your zip code is who you will be referred to - you would do better to get some personal referrals.

 

[we3disneygo]

I would ask around church , work, family, your dentist, get out the phone book, any near by small towns, etc. hope this helps.

 

[IndyJammer]

RascalMom nailed this topic dead on!

If you like your dentist, then definitely contact him about your DBF's plan. Just b/c he's not "In Network," may not mean that he does not accept his insurance. I've found that sometimes being "In Network" only saves the Insurance company money and not the patient!

If your dentist does not accept the plan though, then he may very well be able to point you to someone who does. (And 1-800-dent... is just a way to attract patients - there is no screening or personal anything - If you pay, they will send patients your way!)