How to Find the Right Dentist

This article discusses how to find the right dental fit for you and your family. Regular visits to the dentist are key to a healthy smile, so begin your search with practice details that work best with your way of life and oral care requirements. Some things to think about include: Is the practice easy to get to from your home or work? Does the practice have operational hours that work with your schedule? If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network? Does this practice have a pediatric section and are you able to provide a dental visit for your child? 

This may seem obvious, but checking out past patient reviews will provide answers to lots of concerns you have, and will help you add or eliminate some practices from your list. A great way to begin searching for a new dentist is by Googling “dentist near me” and arranging your search by the highest reviewed practices. Websites like Connect the Doc and ZocDoc can also assist with your online research as they focus on types of patient examinations as well as providing information about specific services.

Social media sites like Facebook tend to have patient reviews of dental professionals near you as well. If you are unable to find what you need via social media, feel free to use the ADA’s Find-A-Dentist tool. You can browse by name, place, and specialties. When you’re searching for a new dentist, you’re browsing for more than somebody to simply clean your teeth. “Your oral health is such an essential part of your overall health, so it is necessary for each client to have an oral house,” says Dr. Cathy Taylor-Osborne, an ADA dental professional and director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Oral Health.

Dr. Taylor-Osborne says to “Make a list of questions and bring your records so the dental professional can have a look at your dental history if you wish to ask something more specific.” During your initial visit, you’ll also be able to see if the practice (and the dental team) is welcoming, comfortable, and inviting.

Taylor-Osborne also motivates anyone searching for a dental expert to share past-oral experiences or oral issues, including anxiety with their practitioner. “Ensure the dental practitioner comprehends your issues and answers all your questions,” she states. “Look for somebody who can be a coach to encourage you, and rely on an advisor to turn to when health problems emerge and a partner to make dental care choices with.” Above all, you’ll want to choose a dental professional who can be a part of your overall healthcare team.

Members of the dental industry often know one another. With this in mind, if you are moving, ask your present dentist for suggestions! They may know someone in the town or area you are moving to. Go to the American Dental Association (ADA) website for more information and suggestions if needed. Once you have a couple of suggestions for a new dental professional, you’ll want to start calling each practice to determine the best fit.

If you don’t live in the United States, organizations like the British Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, and the Australian Dental Association may help in assisting you to find a practitioner that fits your requirements.

Once you have figured out your top choices, try and find the practices official website and browse. A well-designed website, with lots of info about the practice, the staff, their specialties, and strengths, can be a fantastic indication of which direction to take. Then, when you are comfortable with your decision, contact the practice. 

When contacting your new practitioner it’s okay to ask for price quotes on some typical procedures, as all practices charge different amounts. Ask questions like: How much will x-rays cost and what costs are due if I require a filling? Numerous offices have a ready-made list they may be happy to email or fax you. For example, you can get fillings with the Dentist in raleigh amongst many other dental services. Some practices may recommend you come in for a face-to-face conversation, to go over any insurance coverage you might have or unique costs for cash-only clients. Dental care is an extremely personal service and you want this relationship to last for several years and years, especially if this includes seeing a dentist for kids as their needs can extend for many years as they grow. Sleep apnea can be quite frustrating and is another very common topic that many people like to discuss during their initial visits.

Brushing and flossing alone are no replacement for regular examinations with a dental practitioner. These checkups are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Routine checkups can also assist prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other medical conditions.

So if you have moved and are looking for a new dental professional, do not have one presently, or just want to try a different dentist, you now have the information to locate the perfect specialist in your area. To summarize, here are some suggested questions you may want to bring up with your new dental professional. Do they take your oral insurance? Do they have office hours that fit your schedule? Do they have an office near your home or office? How do they approach preventive dentistry? How do they manage after-hour emergencies? Many have plans with an associate or an emergency referral service. And if you’ve read through this article and still can’t choose a dentist, just remember you can ask your good friends, household or colleagues for their recommendations. Chances are one of them has a great dental expert who can provide you with the care you are looking for.