Moving to Boston as a student is an exciting time. It’s one thing when you’re an undergraduate who is only responsible for yourself. It’s another when you’re a graduate student, often moving to town with a family. Are you a graduate student looking for a new dentist in the Greater Boston area? Welcome to the Hub! Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Pay Careful Attention to Your Health Insurance
Many local universities in the area offer health insurance to their graduate students. Some also offer dental insurance plans that can be used at their student health centers or in area practices. It’s important to read through all of the coverage options available so that you can choose the right coverage for you and your family. Take time to ask questions about pediatric care if you have children, and other important services if you are arriving to Boston with a spouse. Making a fully informed decision will save you time and money while you’re here.
Because it’s not required by law, Dental insurance is not always offered through a school. Getting coverage through other programs, including the Massachusetts Health Connector, may be a good place to find dental coverage for you and your family if this is the case. The Basix Dental Savings Program may be a helpful tool as well, though this is discount plan, not an insurance policy.
Make a Connection Sooner Rather Than Later
There is a lot to unpack after moving to a new city. It’s tempting to set decisions about your dentist aside in favor of other tasks. It’s true that finding a dentist may not be the most exciting thing to do in Boston, but your oral health is important, and it’s probably best not to wait until you have an emergency for you to start thinking about your dentist. We recommend getting started now (in August) before classes get started and you really are too busy to do your homework. (See what we did there?)
Now is the time to start doing your research. Google and Yelp are great places to start, but be sure to ask colleagues, neighbors and friends about where they go and what they think of their dental practitioner. Figuring out which practices will take your insurance, getting in contact with an office, and establishing a relationship with a new dental professional now will ensure that your oral health continues steadily throughout your time in Boston, and will also make things easier if a dental emergency comes up.
What to Look For
Before setting out to find a new dental practice, consider your individual needs as a patient. What are your current concerns and long-term goals? What do you like in the atmosphere of an office? What kind of relationship do you prefer with your dental professional?
Depending on your history, you might want to consider asking about particular treatments that you potentially need done, including wisdom teeth extractions or treatment for tissue grafting and restoration after braces. Root canals, implants, dental sealants and deep cleanings are also things you might want to look into, depending on your needs. It might also be wise to ask after the kind of tech the office uses for the evaluation, like 3D imaging.
Asking the right questions will give you the best chance of choosing a dental practice you’ll want to stick with for the duration of your stay here in Greater Boston!
We sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy your time here in Boston! Finding a dentist here is a small part of this rewarding experience, but it’s still important. Take your time, do your homework, and then have the piece of mind of knowing you’ve got the support you need for sustaining great oral health while you’re here!
Looking for a friendly, helpful, convenient dental practice specializing in endodontic and periodontal restoration? We are welcoming practice conveniently located within walking distance of several campuses and close to the T. Give us a call today to tell us about your health care goals and how we can support you during your time here in Greater Boston.
