• Quantity in the form of a large selection of dental specialists;
   
• Quality through its prescreening process for dental providers and;
   
• Flexibility by allowing your to achieve search results based on a specific dental need.

Using a referral service offers a host of benefits for people. You can do also do cost comparisons and find the practice that offers the most affordable dental work for you and your family's budget.

Dental referral services provide such information as the dental technology used by the dental dentist specialist, practice amenities and the payment options that are available.
 

As you review the information provided by a Dental Referral Service, it is important to keep in mind the following:

ADA Member vs. Non ADA Member

Is the dentist a member of the American Dental Association (ADA)?

A dentist who is a member of the ADA is part of a professional association. The mission of this organization follows a commitment to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement. A member dentist agrees to adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. These standards are embodied in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. You can also download a copy of the document to read at your convenience.

ADA dentist members receive up-to-date information affecting the field of dentistry. This allows them to provide the best-possible patient care. According to the ADA, 7 out of 10 dentists are members of the ADA.



All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a condition of their membership.
 

Whether you choose an ADA member dentist or not, also consider the following when visiting the dental clinic:
• Is the appointment schedule convenient for you? Is the travel easy?
   
• Does the dental clinic explain dental preventive techniques?
   
• Is 24 hour emergency treatment available? Are special arrangements made either thru a colleague or emergency referral service to provide emergency care during non business hours?
   
• Staff Professionalism: Is the staff friendly? Do they treat you as an individual or "another mouth."
   
• Office Appearance: Is the dental office comfortable, clean, and well organized?
   
• Open Communication: Does the dentist and dental staff freely discuss dental fees and/or financial arrangements before treatment is scheduled?
As a patient, take the time to ask questions and take notes. You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health.

Consider using a Dental Referral Service to help you with your search. Of course, the best referral in my opinion is that of a relative, friend or co-worker. There is no better referral than "word of mouth".

Important Note: In addition to providing referrals to a specialist when specialized treatment is required for a dental patient, most state board licensed dentists in general practice are qualified to provide nearly all aspects of dental care. Therefore, you may be save a little bit of money by choosing a general dentist who performs some specialized procedures. Ask your prospective dental provider what, if any, specialized procedures they often do themselves and how many they have performed since they began practicing. Procedures such as extractions and root canals would be considered specialized, but are often done by general dentists. Having this information may help you to narrow down your selection. But, on the other hand, a dentist who specializes is often able to perform a procedure more quickly and with less complications, as they have done many of the that particular procedure, which may make them more proficient. It really comes down to your dental needs and your level of comfort.

Wishing you well with your dental needs,
The Dental Clinic Manager

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