The Oral Health Connection: Being Cost-effective With Your Dental Hygiene Appointments By Penny Judson-Benny ~ Registered Dental Hygienist

The cost of dentistry in Alberta is expensive. It is not unusual to walk out of a dental appointment having spent a minimum of $200-$300 for routine procedures.
Getting some practical tips and being well-informed going into your dental appointment can minimize the stress and 'pain' of parting with your well-earned dollars. With today's unstable economy, it is important to prioritize and budget for your oral health prevention and maintenance program.
Before Your Appointment
If you have dental coverage, review your policy. Know what is covered and what is not. Keep a record of your visits and the services received. For example, if your insurance company only covers two cleanings per year (by insurance standards, a 'dental cleaning' is the polishing and fluoride codes) then make sure to inform your dental provider of this. Periodontal scaling and root planing are usually part of your cleaning, but are not limited to twice a year. Most plans have a certain number of units that can be used per year and these may be needed for periodontal therapy if required. Find out your scaling and root planing unit coverage and discuss this with your dental provider. It can be thoroughly explained and incorporated into a prevention program to keep your teeth healthy and stable as you age.
If you have no dental insurance, ask the office staff for prices on each service. New patient appointments for cleanings may involve x-rays, digital pictures, probing the gums, fluoride, oral cancer exam, dental charting and patient education. Ask what services are necessary and where you can save money during your appointments without compromising quality care.
Bring in your own current x-rays if possible. Make a list of questions and concerns to ask your dental provider during your visit.
During The appointment
At check-in, review with the front office staff the appointment time, services being provided and the payment details. Expect to see your dental provider in a reasonable amount of time. Ask the office staff for an explanation of unusual delays in a non-threatening manner. Expect courtesy in return.
Expect cleanliness! Make sure the clinical staff is wearing gloves and masks. This is for your protection as well as theirs. Ask about asepsis and sterilizing procedures. The staff should not hesitate to show you and explain their monitoring system to ensure your protection from bacterial cross-contamination.
Expect a thorough review of your medical history. A blood pressure reading may be beneficial, as well as vital signs. An oral cancer examination should be a routine part of each visit. Ask your dental provider to teach you how to check yourself at home, especially if you use tobacco or are exposed to second hand smoke regularly.
Expect to be given an explanation of each procedure performed and educated on how to maintain your oral health at home. Many offices provide educational brochures.
Get out your list of prepared questions and don't leave without your answers. Write down the prevention and treatment plan your dental provider suggests. Ask for alternate treatment options. Understand why the dental provider is suggesting the treatment.
After The Appointment
At check-out, review again with the office staff the necessary payment procedures. Try to avoid any confusion on insurance filing policies, if applicable.
If you brought your own dental x-rays, consider taking them home to file. You may choose to get a second opinion. A second opinion can be beneficial if there is a treatment plan that you are not comfortable with or that you don't understand. It may be the best money you ever spend!
Follow the patient education suggestions provided to you.
Remember always that prevention is much less expensive than treatment!

'KEEP YOUR SMILE FOR A LIFETIME!'

Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.