Common Questions for Dental Patients
The Indiana Dental Association is your authority for oral health. We are eager to answer your questions and dental concerns. Please see a list of our most common questions below, along with answers from our staff.
What should I consider when looking for a dentist?
Like choosing any healthcare professional there are several factors, both personally and professionally, that should influence your choice of a dentist. Professionally, you’ll want to ask about their training, experience and the type(s) of dentistry they can perform. And of course, you should ask if they are they members of the American Dental Association and Indiana Dental Association. When dentists work in community with other dentists, it’s an indicator they are a professional.
There are many personal factors to consider when choosing a dentist. First is trust. A patient needs to trust his or her dentist, their opinions and professional diagnoses and recommendations (just like any other healthcare provider). Do you enjoy the “feel” and atmosphere of the practice? How are patients treated? Do you value dentists who maintain the best technology? Each practice can serve patients well, but it is a personal choice.
For more information on choosing a dentist, visit our Choosing a Dentist page.
To reach one of our member dentists, use our Find a Dentist tool by clicking here.
Whom does the IDA serve?
The IDA serves Indiana’s licensed dentists and their patients. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism and to improve oral health.
Where can I receive free or low-cost dental care?
Information on free or low cost dental care is available at IDA’s Low Cost Dental Care page.
What do I do if I have a dispute with my dentist?
First, you should make sure you have addressed your issue directly with your dentist. Dentists want to leave their patients smiling, and most disputes are a result of miscommunication (or no communication). Start by talking directly with your dentist. If that does not resolve the issue, you can contact the Indiana Dental Association and initiate a “peer review” process for clinical care issues. This Association program provides other dental professionals to address your issue objectively, with a goal of satisfying all involved. To discuss a dispute involving your dentist, please read more about our Peer Review process here.
Don’t see your question listed above? Please visit our Contact page to get in touch with a member of the IDA staff.