Choosing a Denturist to help you take care of your denture and oral health is a personal decision.
You want a Denturist you can talk to, learn from, and feel good about visiting. But how do you find the Denturist who will be the right fit for you?
Here are some suggestions for finding and choosing a new Denturist.
Seek recommendations
Word of mouth works. Friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbours, members of groups or associations you belong to, your doctor, or your pharmacist may be able to recommend a Denturist with whom they have experience.
Ask for a referral
Ask your dentist to suggest someone in your area. Dentists develop collaborative working relationships with Denturists and will be able to refer you to someone who can best serve your specific needs.
Consult professional listings
Search the Denturist Association of BC website for registered Denturists in your community.
Book a consultation
You can learn a lot about a Denturist during a denture consultation. This no-charge appointment enables you to visit a clinic, meet the Denturist and clinic staff, have your denture and your oral health assessed, and be presented with treatment planning options best suited to you.
Some people will book a consultation with more than one Denturist before making their final decision.
Other factors to consider
Location
- Can you easily get to appointments at this clinic?
- If you drive, does the clinic offer free parking? Is there parking at or near the clinic?
- If you don’t drive, is the clinic within walking distance? Will transit, handyDART, a shuttle bus, or other transportation service easily get you to appointments?
Accessibility
- Is there accessible parking at or near the clinic?
- How close to the clinic can handyDART deliver you?
- Are entrances, patient rooms, and rest rooms accessible for wheelchairs and walkers?
Scheduling
- Is the clinic currently accepting new patients?
- When could you book your first appointment? How long will you have to wait to get in to the clinic?
- Does more than one Denturist work at the clinic?
- If you need a new complete or partial denture, how long does the process take? How many appointments will be required?
- What are the clinic’s hours?
Payments and insurance
- What is the clinic’s payment policy? Is it clearly communicated to you (verbally and in writing)?
- How much assistance will the clinic provide you for your preauthorizations and claims?
Anxiety
- If you are nervous about dental procedures, or if you have a history of trauma associated with your oral care, is the Denturist comfortable working with you?
Special considerations
- Certain health conditions are best served by practitioners familiar with their effects on denture and oral care.
- Ask Denturists about any conditions you may have, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, or any other health conditions.