How to Choose a Family Dentist in El Dorado Hills
Picking a dentist is easier when you know what to ask. Whether you just moved to El Dorado Hills or you are ready for a change, these are the things worth checking before you book a first visit.
Check the license and experience
Every dentist practicing in California is licensed by the Dental Board of California. You can look up any dentist's license and its status on the California Department of Consumer Affairs license search. It takes about a minute and also shows when the license was issued.
When you call, ask how long the dentist has been practicing and who will treat you. In some large offices you may see a different dentist at each visit. In a smaller practice you will usually see the same one or two dentists every time, and they get to know your history.
Make sure the hours fit your week
Many people in El Dorado Hills commute on Highway 50 or juggle school schedules, so a dentist who is only open 9 to 5 can be hard to see. Ask whether the office offers early-morning or evening appointments, and whether family members can be booked back to back.
Ask how they decide on treatment
A good dentist explains what they see, shows you your X-rays or scans, and gives you options, including waiting when it is safe to wait. If a treatment plan surprises you, these questions help:
- What happens if I don't treat this now?
- Is there a more conservative option?
- How long should this repair last?
- What will it cost, and what will my insurance cover?
A dentist who answers these questions plainly, without pressure, is usually one you can trust over the long run.
Ask how often they want to see you
Twice a year is a common schedule, but the American Dental Association says the timing of checkups should be set by your dentist based on your oral health and health history, not a fixed rule. In its statement on regular dental visits, the ADA notes that risk factors such as smoking and diabetes affect how often cleanings are needed. Some patients need more frequent visits and some need fewer. A dentist who tailors that schedule to you is a good sign.
Look at the range of care
A family practice sees kids, parents and grandparents, so check what is done in the office: cleanings and exams, fillings, crowns, cosmetic work such as whitening and veneers, and tooth replacement such as implants. Also ask which treatments they refer to specialists, such as orthodontists or oral surgeons, so you know what to expect.
Read reviews for patterns
Star ratings tell you less than the comments behind them. Look for what reviewers mention again and again: whether visits feel rushed, whether treatment was explained, whether anyone was surprised by a bill, and how long patients have stayed with the practice. A pattern across many reviews is more useful than any single one.
Questions to ask when you call
- Are you accepting new patients?
- Do you take my insurance, and what happens if you are out of network?
- What does a first visit include?
- Can you book my family's appointments together?
- What should I do if I have a dental problem when the office is closed?
About Drs. Peliks & Peliks
Drs. Katarzyna and Radoslaw Peliks are a husband-and-wife team who started their practice in 1987 and have cared for El Dorado Hills families for many years. Our office is at 1160 Suncast Ln, Suite 5, just off Latrobe Road. We are open Monday and Wednesday from 12 to 7 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 7 am to 2 pm. Call (916) 933-7401 or visit our contact page to book a first visit.
