Although the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for a routine visit, only about 45% of adults have had an appointment in the past year. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a checkup and you’re looking for a trustworthy provider, it helps first to establish what matters most to you as the patient.

For example, are you looking for a dentist to meet your entire family’s needs or yours only? Do you need to find a practice that’s in-network with your insurance provider or offers payment options? Are there specific services you anticipate needing? Answering these questions for yourself can help you find a dentist to meet your unique needs.

If you’re wondering whether a potential provider is qualified, you can set your mind at ease by learning more about their experience and education. All dentists in the U.S. must graduate with a bachelor’s degree before earning either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) from one of 70+ schools accredited by the American Dental Association. Typically, their education combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences through residencies. Then, they can choose to focus on one or more of the 12 specialties recognized by the ADA.

At our practice near Lehigh Valley, Dr. Salivonchik completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Temple Dental School and has completed advanced training seminars in specialty topics, including implant dentistry, cosmetic services, and laser periodontal surgery.

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty that’s officially recognized by the ADA, so potentially, any dentist can offer these services. However, not all providers have the same level of expertise with the treatments involved.

If you already know what procedures you’ll need to reach your smile goals, you can search online for a dentist who is certified to provide or has experience with that treatment. Many providers include their qualifications on their website's “About Me” page, so it’s not too hard to find. You can also look for participation in cosmetic-related programs and organizations.

For instance, Dr. Salivonchik is a certified Invisalign provider and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that include oral surgery, and it’s natural to want to find the best dentist for the job. Many patients seek out a specialist, like a periodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon, to ensure that they receive quality results. However, it’s possible for general dentists to be qualified to place implants, too.

Dr. Salivonchik has completed several implant-related courses, including the Branemark Implant Restorative Curriculum and the Nobel Biocare Computer-Based Guided Implant Restorative Curriculum. Plus, he’s an active member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, so you can trust that he’s an expert who can help you rebuild your smile.

If you’ve avoided scheduling dental appointments because you’re worried about your budget, you’re not alone. Dental care can add up quickly, but it’s worth it to prevent problems that can damage your dental health or mend issues that have already developed.

Our team near Lehigh Valley doesn’t want your finances to keep you from the care you deserve, so we gladly accept dental insurance policies. We’ll even help you with paperwork or file claims on your behalf, so you enjoy a more stress-free experience.

If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! We’ve also partnered with CareCredit to offer flexible financial payment plans. If your application is approved, you can break up the final cost into more manageable monthly installments that are easier on your wallet.