Your first appointment with a new dentist is a time for you and the staff get to know each other, to learn more about your oral health needs and how to care for them. It’s also the time to discuss financial matters, such as dental coverage or payment arrangements. At the end, you’ll leave the office feeling good about yourself for taking an important step toward your long-term well-being.

Oral cancer afflicts hundreds of thousands of Americans. As with many forms of cancer, early detection is crucial for obtaining a favorable treatment outcome. Your dentist can help by performing a complete examination of your mouth, lips, face, and throat. In fact, dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to suspect the presence of this serious but treatable health condition.

Have you seen your dentist recently? The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. These preventive measures not only allow you to leave the dental office with a better looking and feeling smile, but they give your dentist a chance to detect any oral health issues while they are still small. Keep reading to see why this is precisely how your dentist saves you money in the long run.