Dentist Open on Saturday Near Me

 One of the reasons why we need to go to the dentist regularly is to maintain our oral health and keep our teeth healthy and clean. But, unfortunately, not all of us can take time off from work just to go see the dentist on a regular basis, making dental emergencies more common than they should be. If you are in this unfortunate situation, check out this list of dentists open on Saturday near me who can take care of your dental needs in case an emergency occurs and you have no other option but to come in on the weekend.

Why dentist offices are closed on Saturday

Most dental offices are closed on Saturdays. In fact, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield, most dentists are closed every day but Monday and Thursday. There’s not really one reason why dentist offices tend to be closed. It just kind of happens that way. Dentists need time off too! If your dentist’s office is closed during a time you need them, it might be wise to have a back-up dentist in mind or at least a walk-in clinic that will see you without an appointment. Here are some questions you can ask your local dentist if they're open: Can I make an appointment for next week? How much notice do I need to give for cancellation? Do you take my insurance plan?

How to find a dentist open Saturdays near you

Many people go to emergency rooms for dental issues, but that’s often not a good long-term option, according to Sara Schwab with Visiting Angels. It’s best to have a regular dentist you can communicate with and build trust with as well as someone who will work within your schedule if possible, she said. Even if your regular dentist doesn’t offer Saturday appointments or is booked up, he or she should be able to refer you to another practice in your area that does. Calling around—either online or by phone—is an easy way to locate a weekend dentist near you so you can avoid dental emergencies down the road.

What options do I have?

Start with local, brick-and-mortar dentists in your area. Call them and ask if they have a dentist open on Saturday near me. If not, reach out to nearby cities for similar options. Also consider going to a travel dental clinic, like those run by Delta Dental Plans Association . Travel dentists often have more availability than local dentists. Plus, their prices are often cheaper than usual—you pay only $50 or so per visit. It's also worth noting that they will take your insurance , so there’s no need to deal with that if you don't want to!

Do they accept my insurance?

It’s important to know what your insurance will cover before you make an appointment. You may want to call ahead and ask if they accept your insurance provider and discuss payment options with them before making a trip to see them. If you don’t have insurance, be sure to discuss payment options with them as well. Many dentists offer discounted rates for patients without dental insurance or those who are paying cash. If possible, have your treatment done in one sitting rather than having multiple appointments spaced out over time. The extra trips to a dentist can cost hundreds of dollars over time that would be unnecessary if you just had it done all at once.

Are there any hours restrictions?

Not all dentist offices open on Saturdays. In fact, most don’t. But if you live in an area where a good percentage of dentists are open for business on Saturdays, you can bet that a lot of people who work regular 9-to-5 jobs schedule their appointments around their weekend commitments. Most offices restrict hours to make it easier for patients to get an appointment—and then pay for another visit if they have dental issues after hours or over a weekend. Finding an office that makes itself available outside of typical business hours can save you from having to take time off work and book two separate visits. If a dentist is able to accommodate your schedule and doesn’t charge extra for weekend appointments, grab your phone right now and call to set up an appointment!

Are weekend appointments typically available?

Most dentists schedule their appointments Monday through Friday and are closed during weekends. Since weekend emergencies tend to be less common, you may find that dentists don’t offer weekend or evening appointments. Before deciding which dentist to visit, consider how easy it will be for you to get there during your appointment time. For example, are there other dentists who open early enough for your schedule? A good dentist should have a clear answer for you about whether weekend or evening appointments are typically available. If not, you can assume that they probably aren’t available unless you contact them directly to discuss an exception.

Do I need an appointment in advance?

There are a few reasons why your dentist's office may be open on Saturdays. One is because many dentists have realized that their scheduling process needs to be more flexible; according to a survey by DentalTown, nearly 10 percent of respondents said they wouldn't go to a dentist that didn't offer Saturday appointments. In addition, many dental procedures require two visits (one for X-rays and cleaning, another for filling), so being able to book one appointment is convenient. Plus, making everything available under one roof helps keep customers loyal. When you find a dentist open on Saturdays near you, make sure you have an idea of which procedures you want completed beforehand so as not to waste time waiting around in between.

Where can I park?

If you’re visiting a dentist office open on Saturday near me, parking can be a challenge. Even if there is street parking available, it’s probably best to avoid parking in front of houses, and use lots instead. However, all lots are not created equal. A great feature of all-day parking lots is that they also have security so you don’t have to worry about your car getting hit or broken into while you're out at your appointment.