How do I get emergency dental care?
The first step you should take if you need emergency dental care is to call Dalton Hunt Dentistry as soon as
possible and let one of our staff members help you. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency,
please call 911.
Most hospital emergency rooms, mobile ERs, and urgent care clinics are not typically equipped to handle
dental emergencies, and unfortunately if you go there first, they are unlikely to be able to treat you.
At Dalton Hunt Dentistry, we can usually fit you in for a same-day or after-hours appointment, so please
don’t hesitate to call us as soon as possible. Dental emergencies are often an indicator of larger
dental problems, and an important sign that you should get back in the habit of visiting the dentist
regularly. This will help save you time, money, and of course, your smile.
How much does a dental check-up & cleaning cost in Raleigh?
The cost of a dental check-up can vary depending on many things, including location and your overall health.
Your checkup and cleaning should begin with a thorough patient health history and discussion of your concerns
and oral health goals. You should also receive a full dental examination with Dr. Helms or Dr. Hunt, as well
as X-rays, a professional cleaning, and an oral cancer screening.
The average cost of a dental check-up and cleaning in the United States ranges between $220 and $350 dollars.
If you have dental insurance, the cost of your check-up and cleaning (including any out-of-pocket copays)
are negotiated with us by your insurance provider.
How can I make a same-day appointment with a dentist?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency and need to make a same-day appointment, please call us directly,
as sending an email will not guarantee that you get as quick of a response. A phone call is also more
effective, as it allows our team to better understand your problem and get you the fastest care possible.
The goal of a same-day appointment is to assess the condition of your oral health, eliminate the cause of any
pain, and to finalize a treatment plan to help correct the issue. In some cases, Dr. Helms and Dr. Hunt can
provide advanced treatment during a same-day appointment.
What is the best way to find a cosmetic dentist?
While there is no single designation to specifically qualify a dentist to be a cosmetic dentist, there are
many organizations which offer advanced training on cosmetic dentistry. A good rule of thumb is to search
for a dentist with extensive involvement in one of these organizations. Some of the highest profile cosmetic
dentistry organizations in the United States include:
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)
- Las Vegas Institute
Furthermore, nearly all dental schools and many other dental organizations offer excellent continuing
education programs to help dentists expand their cosmetic dentistry skills.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
All dentists in the United States must have received either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of
Dental Sciences (DDS) from one of the 67 accredited dental schools here in America. Acceptance into dental
school requires your dentist to first earn a bachelor's degree with very high grades in both math and
science.
Dental school is an additional three years with a combination of both classroom and hands-on education.
Furthermore, many dentists choose to continue their education by earning one of twelve specializations
recognized by the American Dental Association. These typically take an additional three years to complete.
Upon graduation, all dentists in the United States are required to complete a certain number of continuing
education hours to maintain their license.