If you have unanswered questions about dental care in general or our practice specifically, you can learn more by reading through the following frequently asked questions and answers!
What level of education is required to become a dentist?
All dentists must meet specific criteria to earn their license and work with patients, usually starting with their education. For example, most providers earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, then must achieve either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) advanced degree from one of the 70+ institutions accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Then, they can choose to undergo in-depth programs to become an expert in one or more of the 12 officially recognized specialty topics.
At our Belchertown office, Dr. Medaugh, or “Dr. M,” initially studied painting and ceramics at Bates College, then earned his DDS from the University of Pennsylvania as a Pierre Fauchard Scholar. Today, he is active with the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Association to stay up to date on the latest treatment options, technology, and dental materials.
How can I find the best place to get dental work done?
If you’re looking for a new oral healthcare provider and aren't sure how to get started, you can likely find a local list of results by searching online with your favorite web browser. But narrowing down the list and choosing just one can be challenging.
It might help to take a few moments to identify and write down your main priorities regarding dental care. For example, are there specific treatments you know you are going to want or need that must be offered? Do you need a provider who accepts your dental insurance? Do you also have family members or children who require care? Answering these kinds of questions can help you find a practice that meets your unique criteria.
How much does a routine dental checkup and cleaning usually cost in Belchertown, MA?
Most patients in the area can expect to spend between $150 and $350 for a standard exam and cleaning, but the actual total can vary significantly based on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you have dental insurance, it could cover up to 100% of your appointment if you’ve already met your deductible for the year, meaning you might not owe anything out of pocket.
But if our team finds issues, like cavities or gum disease, you’ll also have to pay for the required services, which can increase your total invoice.
What if I can’t afford the required dental services?
Our office is happy to work with in-network and out-of-network insurance plans to help maximize any potentially applicable benefits to lower the cost of your dental care, but we understand that not all patients have coverage.
If you’re uninsured and are worried about potential costs, we’ve got your back! We also gladly welcome flexible payment plans through CareCredit, which let you choose a low- to no-interest plan that divides the total invoice into more manageable installments to be paid over a set period, which can be easier on your budget.
