What should I look for when choosing a dentist? Or better yet, what do people look for when choosing a dentist? It’s an interesting question. We are currently trying to find any type of statistics that would help us in learning more about this subject. For now, we found some interesting information that the ADA gives to people for choosing a dentist. On one of thier FAQ page located by clicking here, you find some helpful information regarding this subject. Here are their top 7 things “to look for” when choosing a dentist:

• 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?
• Is your dentist a member of the ADA?

This points made by the ADA are very interesting. They prove the need for a Dental Practice to have a website! In comparison to these bullets the ADA has generously provided, I would like to show you how a website would fulfill each one of these needs. Here you go:

• Show appointment times and days on website homepage
• Have a “Find Us” section of your website with a map and directions to your practice
• Show pictures of the practice on the website, showing patients how clean the office is
• Online forms for digital recording of medical and dental history
• Have a patient education section on your website providing instruction to patients
• Contact us form for asking for special arrangements
• Content page about fees and payment plans on website
• About the Dentist page clearly stating ADA membership

There you go! A dentist website can accomplish all of these things. This is why an effective website is critical to be chosen above your dental competitors in your area.

It all starts with the fact that I have a simple but fairly weird name, but still, you wouldn’t think that the name Parl could create such a stir in the land of insurance claims.  I vaguely remember filling out all the paperwork and I don’t recall my handwriting being to terribly horrible, but I do tend to be a fairly biased individual.  After all the medical procedures were taken care of, I went home thinking all would be well.

 After a couple of weeks, I received a letter from our insurance provider.  It was very amusing.  It opened with “Dear Pearl.”  Right off I knew I was in for a treat on this deal.  The letter proceeded to explain in a partially diplomatic way and in semi politically correct terms the fact that they would unfortunately not be able to cover any of my claims.  I was a bit taken back at first, until I began to read the reasons why.

 ”We are unfortunatly unable to cover any of your claims due to your homosexual relationship which is illegal in the state of Utah.”

It was classic.  People have butchered my name before, but never sacrificed it before the great gender gods.  Needless to say, we were able to work it all out, but not until we spent quite a few hours on the phone with the Insurance Provider and the office manager at the doctor’s practice.  I know she had to resubmit forms and spent a great deal of time on the whole issue as well.

Turns out that whoever processed my form figured that no one could possibly have a name like Parl so they changed it to Pearl and of course there is no way that a Pearl could be a male either so they changed my gender as well.  Its all humurous now, but it was pretty amazing how such a few minor things on my patient forms and they’re improper interpretation cost so much time and energy.  Alas, I still haven’t taken the time to go get my name changed to something a bit simpler…. Al perhaps.  My fear would be that the state would mistake it for Allison.