Frequently Ask Questions

 

Q.	What is the WPDA?
A.	The WPDA is a professional organization composed of dentists from the communities in and around Pasco County, Florida. It is an affiliate member of the West Coast District Dental Association.
Q.	How do I find a dentist?
A.	Here are a few suggestions: Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist. If you're moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation. You may want to call or visit more than one dentist before making your decision. Dental care is a very personalized service that requires a good relationship between the dentist and the patient.
Q.	What should I look for when choosing a dentist?
A.	You may wish to consider several dentists before making your decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if this is the right dentist for you. Consider the following: 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? All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a condition of their membership. You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice.
Q.	What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
A.	The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are the same.
Q.	I have a bad toothache, what will the emergency room do?
A.	Emergency rooms as a rule usually do not have a dentist on staff. You will be seen by a physician who will most likely prescribe antibiotics to get the infection under control until you can be seen be a dentist.
Q.	Does a dentist have to take x-rays?
A.	For a dentist to make the optimum diagnosis and treatment plan, it is best to have x-rays. Most dentists, as part of their business plan and to protect themselves from liabilities issues, will not treat without appropriate radiographs.
Q.	What does this treatment recommendation mean?
A.	If you don't understand any part of what your dentist recommends, don't be afraid to ask for more information.
Q.	Are other treatment options available?
A.	You may want to ask your dentist the following: How do the options differ in cost? Which solution will last the longest? Do all the options solve the problem?
Q.	How much will this cost, and when and how are you expected to pay?
A.	Does the dentist participate in your health plan? What method of payment does he or she expect? And when is payment due? Make sure you understand the fees, method and schedule of payment before you agree to any treatment.
Q.	What’s the policy on dental records?
A.	Original dental records must be kept in the dental office for a minimum of four years. Dentists, upon written request, must release a copy of a patient’s record to the patient or another dental office. By law, the dentist keeps the original. If the records are kept within the dental office, the dentist has 15 days to comply. If the records are stored away from the dental office the dentist has 30 days to comply. The furnishing of copies shall not be conditioned upon payment of an unpaid or disputed fee for services rendered. A dentist may charge a fee for copying reports or records not to exceed the cost per page charged by the Clerk of the County Court where the dentist practices. The fee for copies of x-rays shall not exceed actual cost of duplication. Payment of copying fees may be required upon delivery of the copy.