Access to Dental Care

Sources for Charitable and Accessible Dental Care

1. How can I find out about charitable or low-cost dental care for persons in need?
2. Where can people with special needs obtain dental care?
Tips for Choosing a Dentist
1. How do you find a dentist?
2. What should I look for when choosing a dentist?

Sources for Charitable and Accessible Dental Care

How can I find out about charitable or low-cost dental care for persons in need?
Assistance programs vary from state to state, so you may want to contact your state dental society to see if there are programs in your area.

Another possible source of lower-cost dental care is a dental school clinic. Generally, dental costs in school clinics are reduced and may include only partial payment for professional services covering the cost of materials and equipment.
Where can people with special needs obtain dental care?

On Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations, suggests the following tips:
" Inform the dentist about your special health or financial conditions
" Ask if the dentist has training and/or experience in treating patients with your
specific condition
" Ask if the dentist has an interest in treating patients with your specific
condition
" Find out if the dentist participates in your dental benefit plan (dental insurance
program)
" Ask if the dental facility is accessible to the disabled

Tips for Choosing a Dentist
How do you find a dentist?

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:

" Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.
" Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.
" If you're moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation.
" Call or write your local or state dental society. Your local and state dental societies also may be listed in the telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations."

" Use PDA.org's PDA Member to search for dentists in your area.

You may want to call or visit more than one dentist before making your decision. Dental care is a very personalized service that requires a good relationship between the dentist and the patient.

What should I look for when choosing a dentist?
You may wish to consider several dentists before making your decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if this is the right dentist for you. Consider the following:

" Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
" Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
" Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
" Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
" Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health
problems? Is dental health instruction provided?
" Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
(Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if
they are unable to tend to emergencies.)
" Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is
scheduled?

You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice.