Take the time to research your dentist. Learn as much as you can about their reputation, education, expertise, and the technology they use. You’ll want to find someone who can fully address your concerns and has extensive experience to give you quality care. Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers because sometimes the best referrals come from the people closest to you.
Family Care
You want to find a dentist who can address not only your concerns but also the concerns of the rest of your family. Everyone has a busy schedule, so convenience is important. If you have children, you would want to find a dentist who treats both adults and kids. Your dentist should also have a team of specialists who work with him/her so that they can together give you the best treatment options.
Personal Care
While you may be seeking a dentist solely for an improved appearance of your smile, it is important that you also choose one who is concerned with the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Comfort
Ask about what different ways your dental office makes patients more comfortable during their visit. Find out about the types of anesthesia that are used. See if your dentist offers sedation, especially if you are a particularly anxious patient.
Emergencies
You want to be able to contact your dentist outside of office hours for emergencies. A lot of times, the emergencies happen in the evening time or over the weekend, so check to make sure your dentist will be available for you.
Experience
Choose a dentist who has experience with many different procedures. These doctors will be better suited to finding the best solution for your needs. You would be less likely to have to see different doctors for different procedures if yours offers more services.
Continuing Education
Check to see if your dentist is staying up to date with the latest updates in dentistry. It is important that your dentist attends continuing education courses every year to be able to provide you with the best service available.
Technology
Find out about what types of technological advances there are at the dental office. Offices that stay up to date with technology may be able to serve you more efficiently.
Referrals
To find a good dentist, asking around is one of the old tricks in the book. Ask your family, friends, or co-workers for their recommendations. You can also ask your family doctor. You can also contact your local or state dental society.
A Friendly Staff
Going to the dentist is really not high on our priority list. While you can’t determine the kind of treatment that you’re going to need, you can determine the quality of the service from the staff. If the staff is approachable, pleasant, and goes out of their way to make the experience good for you, it is very likely that they will be able to deliver to you a good dental service as well.
Helping the Community
There is something about healthcare providers who show interest in serving and helping the community. This is a mark of a good dentist, which is why you might want to consider doing your research on which organizations or charities the dentist supports or a part of. You may also be able to help the community.
Things to Look For
When you’ve narrowed down your list, call the dentist and ask or research about the following:
Take some time to visit the dental office and speak to the staff and the dentist. You can get a better feel for the environment by coming in, asking questions, and perhaps taking a small tour. Your relationship with your dental office is one that can last for generations, so decide where you and your family would feel most comfortable and cared for.
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