Urgently need to see the dentist but can’t get an appointment for weeks? Don’t settle for being stuck on the waitlist in pain or worry. Use these insider tips to get an ASAP dental appointment, even with a full schedule.
As your local dentist crows nest, KB Village Dental wants to provide helpful advice for getting in fast when you need prompt oral care. Keep reading to learn techniques for finding last minute openings, ways to get prioritized sooner, and smart preparation so you make the most of that precious early appointment slot. With some strategy, you can be seen much faster than you thought possible.
Call Both New and Existing Dentists
Contact any dentists you’ve already seen before for care and have an established relationship with, and also call around to new practices in your area that you haven’t visited yet. Longtime dentists who know you well may be willing to squeeze you in faster or at least get you on their cancellation lists. New dentists may have openings sooner since their patient schedules aren’t as full. Cast a wide net.
Emphasize Pain, Swelling or Infection
When calling for an appointment, don’t downplay or minimize your symptoms – be very upfront if you’re experiencing severe pain, noticeable swelling, dental trauma like a broken tooth, or possible infection. Clearly emphasize this is an urgent issue requiring prompt attention. Reputable dentists will prioritize getting these severe cases right away before they worsen.
Check for Last Minute Cancellations
When speaking with the dentist’s office, ask to be notified if any upcoming appointments on their schedule get cancelled or rescheduled last minute. Let them know you’re happy to come in with very little notice. Be ready to swoop in quickly to claim a last minute opening. Keep your phone ringer on and frequently check emails when waiting for an opening.
Ask About Unpublished Openings
Inquire if there are any yet-unpublished appointment slots or openings not officially on the dentist’s books yet that they could grant you, even if just for 15 minutes. Ask if they have any little periods of time available early morning before normal hours start or during lunch hours.
Consider Dental Schools
Dental schools with supervised student clinics are another option that can often take emergency dental appointments much faster than private practices. Care from dental students overseen by experienced faculty is high quality and extremely affordable too, making visiting a dental school clinic a great option for urgent issues.
Extend Your Search Radius
If all the dentists located closest to you are booked up, consider expanding your search radius to practices located further away. While a longer drive may be less convenient, it could be worth it to resolve your dental pain or issue much sooner before it escalates. Cast a wide geographic net.
Prep Payment and Insurance Details
Before your appointment, take time to get all payment and insurance details ready to go to help expedite getting booked once you speak to the office. Have your insurance card, policy details, and payment method handy. Also compile and bring any prior dental records, X-rays or charts to avoid needing to repeat diagnostic films and procedures. Being fully prepared ahead of time is key.
Arrive Early, Stay Late
On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early to check in just in case they can take you sooner than your scheduled time slot if the dentist is running ahead. Also offer to stick around the office until the very end of the day in case any last minute openings arise from patient no-shows or cancellations. Maximizing your chances by being flexible pays off.
Conclusion
With some resourcefulness and persistence, you can get a dental appointment much faster during an urgent situation. Don’t settle for waiting in discomfort. Let us know if we can help get you in quickly.
