Dentist - Millersville, MD

How do I find the best place to get dental work done?

Whether your search includes finding “dentures near me” or “veneers in Millersville,” it’s important that you first identify the kind of criteria you desire from a dental practice. There are key components that can make the decision-making process much easier, such as determining:

• Do you want the practice to be located near your home or workplace?
• Do you prefer to see a general dentist or a specialist?
• Do you want a practice that provides all-encompassing dental care?
• Do you want to be able to take your children to the same practice?
• Do you prefer to see someone in-network with your dental insurance?

Knowing what you want from an oral healthcare professional can make it easier to narrow your selection and find a place that is right for you. You might also find it helpful to read patient reviews as well as view before and after photos that can often be found on the practice’s website.

What is the best way to find a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialization, so finding someone with this title requires a bit more work. To provide the kinds of services that are most commonly found under this umbrella, a cosmetic dentist in Millersville must complete additional training and have hands-on experience. Various professional organizations provide these courses so that general dentists can begin to incorporate cosmetic services into their catalog of offerings to patients. They include:

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
• American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)
• Las Vegas Institute

Also, most dental schools provide continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry. At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, Dr. Clayton McCarl and Dr. Jay McCarl have undergone advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute as well as under the guidance of Dr. Peter Dawson and Dr. Frank Spears.

What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?

Prevention is key if you want to maintain good oral health, so even if you think you can’t afford to see a dentist, it’s best to contact your local dental office and inquire about available payment options. By seeking regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months, you can reduce your chances of needing costlier services in the future.

This is why if you have dental insurance, you are strongly encouraged to use it, as it will help you save money during each visit. Most companies will agree to cover 80-100% of preventive services as well as 50-80% of minor and major restorative treatments.

At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we partner with CareCredit – a third-party financier that offers plans of different lengths with low or no interest. If you are trying to find a practice that offers “veneers near me” or “dental implants near me,” but are unsure if you can afford treatment, you can ask a member of our team how to enroll in a CareCredit plan so that you can pay off your new smile over time instead of upfront.

What level of education is required to be a dentist?

If you are thinking about becoming a dentist, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree and obtain high grades in math and science. Then, you will enroll at one of the 67 accredited dental schools in the United States to earn a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. This typically requires three years of study and combines both in-classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

After graduating, you will have the option to pursue general dentistry or a specialization, such as orthodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, etc. If you choose to further your education, you can expect to spend an additional three years undergoing advanced training in a specific field.

Once you are finished with your formal education, you’ll be required to complete a dedicated number of continuing education courses each year to maintain licensure.