Going to the dentist  

by Qimin, Asmae, Mukhabbat, Ping and Sahib 

If you are new to Pittsburgh, what should you do when you need to go to the dentist?

You should:

• Get information about doctors 
• Make an appointment in advance (before the time you need the appointment)
• Ask for an interpreter 
• Call your insurance to ask for a good dentist in your network
• Network is the doctors and services that your insurance pays for 
• Take your insurance card to the appointment 
• Look for financial / payment support if you don't have insurance  
• Talk to the receptionist about programs to help with payment 
• Talk about your problems or dental trouble to the dentist
• Use Google Maps to find the dentist's office
• Arrive a little early to your appointment
• Talk to the dentist about your dental problem 

You should talk to:

• Family or friends 
• Front desk receptionist 
• Medical assistants at the office--nurse, dental hygienist 
• Dentist
• interpreter 
• Call your insurance and ask for a dentist in your network
• Manager or supervisor at your job  

Questions you should ask:

• Do you have a dentist in my network?
• What dentist do your recommend? Why?
• What time do you have appointments?
• What appointments do you have available?
• Could I get an interpreter?
• Could I have information about any financial / payment support programs you have?
• How long will it take to be approved?
• What's the best treatment for my symptoms?
• Can I take medicine if I have pain?
• How often do I need to check my teeth?
• What do you recommend to keep my teeth healthy? 

Resources:

• UPMC Dental Services
  
• Free Dental Clinics
  
• University of Pittsburgh Dental Clinic
  
• Aspen Dental in Pittsburgh
  
• Public Transportation
  
• Vocabulary to help your visit to the clinic:
• Dental Health
  
• Medical Staff