Research shows that, in most cases, moms choose the family dentist. It’s not an easy task. Will your kids like the dentist? Will your husband?

Find Out What they Want
You already know what your family needs from a dentist. But what do they want? Next time you’re driving to the pool with the kids, ask them, “What do you like/dislike about going to the dentist?” Ask your husband the same question. The more you know about your family’s expectations and preferences, the easier your decision will be.

The Family Dentist Interview
It’s easy to forget some of the details when you’re trying to find a new dentist – especially if you’re packing the kids for camp and planning the family vacation! Here are some great interview questions that can guide your interviews. Before using these questions, think about the answers you want to hear.

• Where are you located?
• Do you see children?
• Are you accepting new patients?
• Do you take insurance?
• Do you offer financing?
• What are your hours?
• Do you offer _________________? (dental implants, sleep apnea treatment, cosmetics)
• Do you have a website?
• When can I get an appointment?

The First Visit
Most people send their kids to a new dentist first – before the parents. While this is probably because people are trying to prioritize their children’s dental care, if you think about it in regards to screening a new dentist, sending the kids first doesn’t make much sense. Ideally, the mom and dad will schedule visits, and if they like the dentist, they’ll then reserve appointments for the kids.

What’s important at that initial visit? The dental team should know that they won’t get a second chance to make a first impression on you. Registration should be simple, and the front desk team should be friendly, eager to help you, and appreciative of your business.

They should be able to answer your questions about insurance, financing, payment options, and scheduling concerns. In the back office, you should feel confident and comfortable with all aspects of your experience.

• Did you wait long?
• Was everyone smiling and accommodating?
• Did the dentist perform a thorough and gentle checkup?
• Was the hygienist informative and friendly?

When the dentist explains his clinical findings and treatment recommendations, ask questions – even if you think they sound silly. The dentist should gladly answer all of your questions, provide explanations, photos, X-rays, models, and even videos to help you understand your oral health and treatment options. And you should have options. The dentist should make you feel good about your decisions, not guilty. If financing is a concern, you should feel confident asking about it. The front office team should help you find a practical plan to pay for your family’s treatment plans.

The Analysis
After the first visit, ask yourself:

• Did I feel completely comfortable?
• Respected?
• Empowered?
• Appreciated?
• Do I feel like the doctor was thorough in his evaluation and conservative in his treatment recommendations?
• Do I understand my oral health situation?
• Will I follow through with treatment at this practice?

If you truly liked the experience and feel good about future treatment, let the kids and husband try the practice on for size. Then, as a family, decide if this dentist is the right one for you.

A Personal Invitation for Your Family
Everyone is unique, as is every family unit. Dr. James Stewart and our team understand your individuality. We want to be a good fit for your family, so we strive every day to provide the best service, clinical accuracy, comfortable delivery to our patients. We undergo continuing education and test out new products and technologies – because our patients deserve access to all the great things modern dentistry has to offer. We love kids, teenagers, young adults, moms, dads, grandparents, and great grandparents! In short, we want the privilege of being your family’s preferred dentist office – and we’ll work hard to earn your loyalty.

If you’d like to ask us questions or tour the office before scheduling a visit, just give us a call at 734.425.4400 today. Dr. Stewart and our team look forward to meeting your family and giving them a million reasons to smile!