Questions & Answers

Q:	After achieving NIFDE Certification, will my practice grow?
A:	NIFDE does not make guarantees as to the benefits that will be received by your practice, however, NIFDE Certified dentists have received an increase in patient flow. Remember, once you become NIFDE Certified, your dental facility is presented as “NIFDE Certified” to thousands of new patients. Don’t forget that your existing patients will recognize and appreciate your NIFDE Certification as well. Many NIFDE Certified dentists use their new NIFDE Certification as a way of reaching out to patients that have not been to the practice in the past year of so as a way of bringing them back to the office!
Q:	What about case acceptance, will it get better?
A:	Lets face it, you can be the greatest dentist in the world, but it is still hard for patients to commit to comprehensive treatment. Articles written and research point to a profound skepticism of dentists and their patient experience and in many instances this results in poor case acceptance. When patients know that their dentist is NIFDE Certified and they see the NIFDE Award, they typically feel more confidence in both you and your dental facility and your commitment to providing a positive experience and building a long relationship. As a result, they are more likely to comply with your suggested course of treatment! With respect to new patients, many of them have or will find you and your office because you are NIFDE Certified, therefore overall case acceptance automatically increases with respect to those patients as well!
Q:	If there are other NIFDE Certified doctors in my area, will it hurt my practice if we are not NIFDE Certified?
A:	Not being NIFDE Certified means that your practice could be at risk of not getting new patients and losing the patients you have because patients want to know they are receiving care from a NIFDE Certified dentist. Patients and employers alike look for NIFDE Certification!
Q:	How many NIFDE Awards should we have in our office?
A:	The majority of NIFDE Certified doctors have more than one NIFDE Award for their facility. There is no right or wrong answer, other than to say that your NIFDE Award should be presented proudly for your patients to see!
Q:	Does obtaining NIFDE Certification acknowledge or represent that I provide quality dental care?
A:	No, NIFDE is unable to determine your dental skills, the quality of your dental work, or any other measure of your medical protocols or criteria. Thru its certification and review process, NIFDE has determined that you have “sound” office policies with respect to matters other than clinical care, that your office provides a high level of customer care and that you and your staff exhibit integrity and honesty. See the Terms & Conditions of NIFDE Membership.
Q:	If a patient asks about NIFDE Certification, what should I say?
A:	You or your office staff should let patients know that your office is committed to and focused on providing patients with a positive experience. You should never use NIFDE Certification or the NIFDE Award as a representation that your clinical skills have been examined, reviewed, tested, or approved. See the Terms & Conditions of NIFDE Membership.
Q:	Should all of the doctors and hygienists in a dental facility be NIFDE Certified?
A:	Yes, because it is confusing for patients when some practitioners are NIFDE Certified in one dental group while others are not. The costs are minor for additional NIFDE Certification while the benefits of consistency and maintaining a high standard across your practice are substantial! Patients do not want to see that one doctor is NIFDE Certified while another is not in the same practice, nor would the doctors feel comfortable in that scenerio. Additionally, associates and dental hygienists will gain a sense of pride from having their own NIFDE Certification and NIFDE Award.
Q:	What if we apply and our facility or doctors do not satisfy or exceed the requirements of the NIDFE Review Process?
A:	In the event that a doctor and/or dental facility does not meet the criteria established for NIFDE Certification, the doctor and/or dental facility is given a detailed report as to why such NIFDE Certification was unavailable. A member of the NIFDE Review Panel will be available for questions should the practice require such. The office is then given the opportunity to complete, revise, or update (as the case may be) any areas discussed in the report. If completed, NIFDE Certification may be available. Facilities have used a non-compliant NIFDE report as an inexpensive means to conduct a practice review by an independent organization, and in the event determined, as a means to improve such facility’s customer care.
Q:	How long does the NIFDE Review Process take?
A:	Although this may differ for different facilities and dentists, the NIFDE Review Process should take approximately two weeks. The manner and timeliness in which a facility delivers the required information can affect the time frame set forth above.
Q:	Is NIFDE an insurance company?
A:	Absolutely not! NIFDE is an independent organization and has no relationship with any of the insurance companies, although in some states, there are insurance representatives that refer to NIFDE Certified dentists in their areas. NIFDE does not share any information with any of the insurance companies, nor does NIFDE receive any information from insurance companies.
Q:	How much does NIFDE Certification cost?
A:	The price is nominal despite the benefits. See Pricing for a breakdown.
Q:	If a practice does not meet the requirements for NIFDE Certification, are any employers or insurance companies notified?
A:	Absolutely not! This information is not made available to anyone other than NIFDE and the NIFDE Review Panel. All practice and employer information is strictly safeguarded. However, practices that do not meet the NIFDE Certification standards should consider reviewing their customer care protocols.
Q:	How does our facility get started with obtaining NIFDE Certification?
A:	Simple, a dentist and dentist facility complete the NIFDE Review Process.
Q:	I’ve got questions, is there somebody I can speak with?
A:	Our website was designed to be informative, but there are times when questions arise. You can certainly contact a NIFDE Representative by calling 609-951-0105 or contacting us by email at info@NIFDE.com.
Q:	How big is the NIFDE Award?
A:	It stands a foot tall and measures over 4 inches wide! It is a large, substantial piece that looks elegant in any dental office!