Every week at PureSmile we receive inquiries from prospective patients wondering about transferring their child’s orthodontic treatment to one of our doctors. We seem to receive a disproportionate amount of email from these transfer patients, though it is easy to understand their interest.

There are a number of factors that might make them anxious:

• Is the doctor qualified?
• Do the staff speak English?
• I already paid for treatment at home. How much will it cost to finish?
• Will they accept my insurance?
• Does s/he have experience with transfer patients?
• Can they use the braces that our previous doctor used?
• How long have they worked in this country? Will they stay?

These are all valid concerns and you should try to address them as early in the transfer process as possible. Based on our experience with these situations, we recommend you do the following:

1. Obtain any and all records from your previous orthodontist, preferably in the original, digital file format (not as a gallery of photos). Your new orthodontist may use digital software for his/her analysis and individual files are best.
2. Also request a copy of the treatment notes and a description of any special conditions.
3. Ask your previous orthodontist if they know any orthodontists in your new city/country.
4. If they do not know any personally, then you should refer to the American Board of Orthodontics. All Diplomates of the ABO have presented cases that are rigorously reviewed by a board of expert orthodontists. Only about 25% of orthodontists are board-certified. In a foreign country, it is best to start with this objective, medical certification and then, if there is more than one option, ask your friends for referrals. You can search for an American board-certified orthodontist in your new country through their website.
5. Create a short-list of potential orthodontists before you arrive in your new city. Once you arrive, ask other parents at your child’s school for recommendations.
6. Schedule a consultation. Most orthodontists will offer a complimentary consultation, though don’t be put off if there is a fee. If they come highly recommended, the doctor’s time is likely in high demand and they may need to charge a fee to deter patients that aren’t serious about treatment.
7. Be sure to send your records to the orthodontist in advance or bring them on a USB flash drive to your appointment.
8. During the appointment, ask for a tour of the office, ask all of your questions (see above), and try to talk with other parents who might be in the office at the time.
9. If you have a strong, positive feeling toward this orthodontist and their office, then great! If you aren’t sure, it is okay to get a second opinion. However, try to make a decision within a month. It is important to keep your child’s treatment on track during these adolescent years of rapid growth.

I hope you found these steps informative and useful. If you have a friend who is looking for an orthodontist, share this article with them through the email button below. If you have further questions about orthodontics, visit our page on Common Orthodontic Questions or send us an inquiry for more information.