Dentist Columbia

How do I find the best place to get dental work done?

It’s natural to want to find the best possible provider to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, but there are many dentists available in Columbia. A quick internet search in your favorite browser is likely to return a lengthy list of results, and it can be challenging to narrow them down to find a dentist who meets your needs.

You can potentially redirect your search by might take a few minutes to write down your main priorities regarding dental care. For example, do you need someone who accepts your insurance? Are there specific services you anticipate wanting or needing? Are you seeking care for yourself or a family member? Answering these questions for yourself can help you find an accomplished provider who checks off all the right boxes.

How much does a routine checkup and cleaning cost in Columbia, MO?

Are you avoiding standard visits because you’re unsure how much they cost? Usually, most people can expect to pay between $150 to $400 for a routine checkup and cleaning, though the total invoice can depend significantly on your unique circumstances.

For example, if you have dental insurance, up to 100% of preventive care might be included, which means you wouldn’t pay anything out of pocket. Meanwhile, if our team finds issues, such as cavities or gum disease, you’ll be responsible for the cost of the required treatments.

Is it safe to get BOTOX injections from my dentist?

BOTOX injections are the brand name for a botulinum toxin, so it’s only natural to wonder whether it might harm your health. However, this cosmetic service is considered safe for most people when administered by a trained professional, like one of our providers in Colombia. Plus, the amount of product used to address facial wrinkles is minimal, and it isn’t known to cause many adverse effects.  

But that doesn’t mean this treatment is right for everyone’s unique circumstances. Before proceeding, you must consult one of our dentists so we can update your medical history and examine your mouth to ensure that receiving the injections won’t negatively impact your well-being.

What level of education is required to become a dentist?

Dentists must meet specific criteria to be licensed to work with patients, and our skilled providers are no exception! After earning a bachelor’s degree, they must then achieve a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from one of about 70+ institutions accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Then, they can undergo additional training to become an expert in one or more of 12 officially recognized specialty topics.

At our office, Dr. Batson earned his dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and has completed 500+ hours of continuing education to stay current with the latest advancements in treatments and technology. Not to be outdone, Dr. Abe earned her advanced degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has also completed courses at institutions such as the Kois Center and SPEAR Education.

What do you do if you can’t afford dental services?

Dental insurance can be a simple and effective way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine maintenance to emergency services, but we understand that not everyone carries a policy.

If you’re concerned about affording dental care, you might benefit from our Columbia Healthy Smiles Membership Program, which includes preventive care and additional discounts on other services we offer. You might also be approved for a flexible payment plan through Cherry or CareCredit. If your application is successful, you can divide your total invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period that are easier on your wallet.