Susan C Mckernan, DMD, MS, PHD

Confirm insurance & out-of-pocket cost

• “Do you accept my exact insurance plan? (give the carrier, plan name, and member ID)”
• “Are you accepting new Iowa Medicaid patients right now?”
• “What is the out-of-pocket cost I should expect for the type of visit I need?”
• “If you are out of network for me, can you bill my insurer or only me?”

Verify the dentist & availability

• “Is Susan C Mckernan the dentist who will see me, or another provider in the practice?”
• “Are you accepting new patients? When is the next available appointment?”
• “Will the same dentist handle follow-up visits, or rotate?”

Verify the license yourself

Search the Iowa Dental Board license-lookup to confirm the license is active and in good standing — federal records do not show state-level discipline. Open the Iowa Dental Board site →

Match office services to your needs

• “Do you offer emergency or same-day appointments? After-hours number?”
• “What languages do your front desk and clinical staff speak?”
• “Is the office wheelchair-accessible? Any accommodations available on request?”
• “Do you offer sedation options for anxious patients (nitrous, oral, IV)?”
• “Do you treat pediatric patients in this practice, or refer them to a pediatric dentist?”