How to Choose the Best Dentist – Rancho Bernardo, CA
What to
Look For
Finding a dentist in the Rancho Bernardo area is not a problem. Whenever you drive somewhere, chances are you’ll pass a dental office or two along the way. But which one can you trust with your family’s precious smiles? That question can be a little trickier. Dr. Howard always goes above and beyond to provide the highest quality dental services while making the process as relaxing and stress-free for patients as possible. Everyone has dental needs, and we’ve done everything we can to make sure that you can always find what you’re looking for, no matter if it’s an oral health issue or a cosmetic concern. If you need help deciding on a new dentist, we suggest you consider the below factors carefully before making your decision. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about the treatments that Dr. Howard and the rest of his dedicated dentistry team offers. We’ll schedule a complimentary consultation for you at a time that works with your busy schedule so that you’ll have a chance to experience the care and expertise we offer for yourself.
The Treatment Focus of the Dental Office
Obviously, one of the biggest things you’ll need to consider is what kind of treatment the dental office offers. Most general dentists will offer a variety of procedures for preventive and restorative care as well as a number of cosmetic options. However, you also need to take the general treatment philosophy into account so that you can be assured that you’ll receive quality service in the areas where you need it most. Check the dentist’s website for a list of their available treatments. Some services may not have a page dedicated to them, so if you don’t see something you’re looking for, call the dental office to see if it’s offered. You can also schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
Dr. Howard is proud to have a truly comprehensive menu of dental services that take advantage of the latest techniques and technologies that make treatment as safe, comfortable, and efficient as possible. Naturally, we offer comprehensive checkups and cleanings, advanced and basic restorative services, and a range of cosmetic options. But we also have a number of more advanced dental treatment options that you may not necessarily find at certain other dental offices. This includes:
- Sedation dentistry options for overcoming dental phobias and other cases of anxiety as well as patients who need help staying comfortable.
- Laser-based procedures for removing diseased gum tissue and making certain cosmetic changes.
- Comprehensive periodontal care for patients with gum disease.
- Solutions for TMJ disorders.
- Implant supported crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Oral appliances that can help you treat the symptoms of sleep apnea and stop chronic snoring.
- Emergency dental services with appointments available on the same day when needed.
The Dentist's Experience & Qualifications
This is probably the easiest way to tell the difference between individual dentists. What kind of training did they receive? Are they experts in providing the sort of care you’re looking for? You should be able to find the dentist’s background information on their website, but generally speaking you can also learn more about their unique qualifications by calling and speaking directly to their knowledgeable team members.
You can find Dr. Howard’s biography here. He graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and spent the following year completing a General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles, California. He was the first dentist in North San Diego County (and one of only 466 dentists worldwide) to earn Accreditation as a Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – the largest association of Cosmetic Dentistry specialists in the world. He is also a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics as well as the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry, an organization he founded back in the early 1990's.
The Caring Dental Team
Of course, the dentist isn’t the only person who is responsible for making sure you have a positive experience. A dental team that truly cares and goes out of its way to help you is vital. Our team members all share Dr. Howard’s goal of providing friendly dental care so that everyone who walks through our front doors has a chance to relax and stay comfortable throughout their visit no matter what kind of treatment we need. We want every visit to feel like coming home, and we’ll do everything we can to make you feel as safe and welcome as possible.
Positive Patient Feedback
Any dental office can build themselves up, but the patients who regularly visit the dental office can give you the real story about what their experience was like. Just like most things these days, you can very easily find online reviews for dental offices with a simple Google search. Our dental office has a Google+ page and a Facebook page where numerous patients have left kind words over the years; read their stories and judge for yourself.
Comfort & Convenience
It goes without saying that if you don’t feel comfortable when you walk into a dental office, you probably won’t be as willing to schedule an appointment even when you really need one. Of course, without actually visiting the dental office in question, it’s hard to make the call on whether or not you’ll feel at home. The good news is that many dental offices will allow you to schedule a consultation appointment where you simply speak to the dentist and team, giving you a chance to grow familiar with the dental office itself before scheduling an appointment for further treatment.
Here at Dr. Howard’s dental office in Rancho Bernardo, your comfort is one of our highest priorities. All of our team members have been trained to provide gentle, attentive care so that you feel at ease throughout your visit. We’ll always take the time to listen to you so that we can adjust your treatment if there’s anything that makes you feel particularly nervous. Of course, some patients need a little more help staying calm than others, which is why we have sedation options available. They’re typically recommended for anxious patients and those who need to undergo particularly lengthy treatments.
Dental Insurance & Financing Options
Of course, your own financial situation is going to be a crucial factor in choosing a dental office. Ideally, you should find a dentist that will allow you to maximize the benefits of your chosen insurance plan. You may want to consider additional financing options in the case of certain procedure, such as ongoing periodontal therapy and maintenance. Dr. Howard’s team can review your insurance benefits with you and file the necessary claims. They can also help you apply for a low to no interest financing plan. We’ll go over your dental insurance coverage during your first examination and cleaning so that you have an idea of what you’ll need to pay out of pocket, and we can help you get started on the process of applying for CareCredit when necessary.