Is it Difficult to Change Dental Clinics?
As it’s something that typically doesn’t happen very often, many people struggle with the thought of finding a new dental clinic in the area. Not only can it be difficult to find a new dentist that is accepting new patients, but it’s also daunting to think about the process of changing dentists!
As this can be an overwhelming change for many, we’ve created a blog to help you walk through the process of changing dental clinics. Let’s get started!
Common Reasons for Changing Dental Clinics in Collingwood
In today’s world, there are a number of reasons why someone may be changing dentists. Here are a few of the most common reasons for changing dental clinics:
- Moving to the area from the Greater Toronto Area or elsewhere
- Haven’t seen a Dentist in multiple years
- Current Dentist has retired
- Not wanting to travel to a Dental Specialist for a specific treatment
- Would like to make a change in current Dental Care
- Looking for a wide range of Dental Services at one Dental Clinic
While all the above scenarios are common, there are a multitude of reasons why someone may want to change dental clinics. In any case, it’s helpful to understand how the process works for changing dental clinics so you can consider all of your options when searching for a new dentist.
The Process for Going to a New Dental Clinic
1. Finding a New Dental Clinic
The process always starts with research! Your research into finding a new dental clinic in your area is going to lead to the best possible outcome for you and your dental care. There are specific factors to watch for while searching, which we’ll go over later in this article.
2. Scheduling an Appointment
Once you’ve found a Dental Clinic that you’d like to make the switch to, the process should be fairly simple. The first step will be getting in touch with the Dental Clinic to schedule an appointment. The type of appointment needed will depend on your situation, but will most likely be a New Patient Exam to establish records with your new Dental Clinic.
3. New Patient Forms and Records Transfer
The next step would be to complete a set of New Patient Forms, including a Record Request, before arriving to your first appointment. This will give the Dental Clinic time to prepare for your appointment and bring over any previous records and x-rays from your previous dentist. There are no fees for transferring records and it’s a very common process for Dental Clinics to take care of for their patients!
4. First Visit
All that’s left to do at this point is to arrive at your appointment and go through the process of a New Patient Exam and Cleaning! At this appointment, they will update your records, x-rays, and perform a series of measurements and screenings to establish yourself as a patient under the care of your new dentist.
Of course, there are situations when your first visit may be for something completely different – such as a Cosmetic Consultation, Specific Exam, Emergency Exam, etc. However, it’s likely that you will be required to complete a New Patient Exam at some point within the first year of becoming a patient at a new Dental Clinic.
How to Find a New Dental Clinic Near You
Of course, this whole process starts with finding a new Dental Clinic near you. To find the right dentist for you, there are a few factors to consider when doing your research.
Here are a few things to remember when searching for a new Dentist in your area.
- Services Offered – does the Dentist offer the services you’re looking for now or you may need in the future?
- Clinical Hours and Location – do the Dental Clinic’s hours work for you? Is the Dental Clinic close enough for you to walk, bike, or drive to in a short amount of time?
- Google Reviews – does the Dental Clinic have lots of support and recommendations from patients that have visited?
- Accepting New Patients – is the Dentist currently accepting new patients or families?
- Direct Insurance Billing – if you have dental insurance, Direct Insurance Billing may be something of added value
- Payment Plans – does the practice offer payment plans for out-of-pocket expenses?
- Emergency Dentistry – does the Dentist offer Emergency Dental Services in case you need treatment in a short amount of time?
In any case, it’s always best to do your research before trusting a Dental Clinic with your oral health care. The above list will give you a great starting point for finding a Dentist near you to service your oral health care needs.
Becoming a Patient at Collingwood Family Dental
At Collingwood Family Dental, our Dentists offer a wide range of Dental Services, from routine oral hygiene visits to dental implants, Invisalign Clear Aligners, and General Dentistry. We also offer Emergency Dentistry, Evening Hours, and Free Parking for our patients. Dr. Sarah is currently welcoming New families and patients of all ages to her Collingwood Dental Clinic!
Getting Started as a Patient at our Dental Clinic
To get started as a patient with Collingwood Family Dental, you can give us a call, email, or book online in real-time! Alternatively, you can also visit us in person to meet us and see if our clinic ‘feels’ like the right spot for you. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have about the process!
Other Blogs from Our Dental Clinic
Here are a few of our recent blogs that may help you in your search for finding a new Dental Clinic near you.
Tips for Finding the Best Dentist in Collingwood