As a general dentist, you have a big responsibility. Not only are you responsible for taking care of the bulk of your patients’ oral health needs, but you also have to be able to refer them to trusted experts when they need services that you cannot provide. That’s why you should familiarize yourself with dental specialists in the area and their skillsets. Here are four questions to ask before you place your trust in an endodontist in Huntsville.
What Education and Training Does the Endodontist Have?
An endodontist is more than just someone who performs root canals; they’ve undergone dental school plus an additional three years of training. Before you refer patients to an “endodontist near me,” make sure they’ve completed a post-doctorate training program in endodontics that has been approved by the American Dental Association.
A good place to find this information is on an endodontist’s website. If their website doesn’t provide the level of detail that you’re looking for, you should feel free to call their office to learn more about their background.
What Services Does the Endodontist Provide?
Pretty much all endodontists provide root canal therapy, but some provide other services as well, such as apicoectomies, root canal retreatment, and more. Some are particularly good at working with children or provide services that extend beyond the realm of endodontics. Learning exactly what services a dental specialist provides will help you find the right care provider for your patient the first time around.
Is the Endodontist a Leader in Their Field?
You’re probably passionate about pursuing continuing education so you can provide the best service to your patients — shouldn’t you expect the same from an endodontist? An endodontist who is devoted to mastering their craft and exchanging ideas with other professionals demonstrates that they truly want to excel in the services they provide. One way to determine how engaged an endodontist is via their professional memberships.
Dr. Bishop has been active in several organizations, including the American College of Endodontists, the International Academy of Endodontists, and the Alabama Association of Endodontists. She is known as a thought leader in her field and is always looking to stay at the forefront of developments in dentistry.
Will the Endodontist Help With Insurance Claims?
The last thing you want is for an endodontic treatment to break your patient’s budget. An endodontist should be willing to file insurance claims for patients and offer third-party financing for folks who are uninsured.
Looking for a skilled “endodontist near me”? Consider the above factors in your search so you can find one who skills and education make them a reliable choice.
About the Endodontist
Dr. Deborah Bishop is proud to serve as your endodontist in Huntsville. She strives to stay at the forefront of her profession by participating in advanced training and utilizing the latest dental technology. If you would like to learn more about her so you can begin referring your patients to her, please contact our office at 256-882-5161.