Finding the right dentist can be one of the most important decisions you make in your life — it’s a decision that will affect your oral health and overall health for years to come. But with so many dentists out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some tips on how to find a good dentist for you and your family.
Why do we need a good dentist?
Here are some of the reasons why it is important to find a good dentist:
- A qualified dentist can help diagnose and treat dental problems before they become more serious.
- They will be able to provide quality care, the latest treatments, and timely advice on preventing further damage and maintaining healthy teeth.
- Regular checkups help detect and address any underlying health issues that may be linked to oral health, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Professional cleaning techniques are more effective than home remedies in preventing plaque build-up and gum disease.
- Having an experienced dentist gives you peace of mind knowing that your oral health is in good hands.
What is the Standard of Dental Care?
Overall, there are moral and ethical guidelines that a dentist needs to follow. In fact, your state dental board even has laws that dictate what a dentist can or can’t do in their office. There are just certain values that dentists need to hold, which will put their patients’ needs and quality of life at the forefront of everything that they do.
As long as a dentist is technically practicing under the standard of care, they are what you would refer to as a “good” dentist. From their guidelines for infection control to the type of treatment they recommend, you’re basically looking for a dentist who will treat you like you’re their favorite child (we’re joking, but you know what we mean.)
Unfortunately, not following the standard of care is what we would say makes a dentist “bad”. Then again, you might have a different opinion on the subject, especially if you just don’t connect with them on a personal level. But for the sake of the matter, we’re going to go beyond personal preferences and focus on the ethical/moral standards of care that make a “dentist office near me” one of the best.
What Should We Look For When Choosing a Dentist?
You and your dentist will be long-term oral healthcare partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable with. To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point:
- What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule?
- Is the office easy to get to from work or home?
- Where was the dentist educated and trained?
- What’s the dentist’s approach to preventive dentistry?
- How often does the dentist attend conferences and continuing education workshops?
- What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to help you relax and feel more comfortable during any necessary dental treatment?
- What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they cannot tend to emergencies.)
- Is information provided about all fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled? If you are comparison shopping, ask for estimates on some common procedures such as full-mouth X-rays, an oral exam and cleaning, and filling a cavity.
- Does the dentist participate in your dental health plan?
- What is the dentist’s office policy on missed appointments?
If visiting a dentist’s office:
- Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly? Do all surfaces and equipment in the treatment room appear clean?
- Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
- Do you observe the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?
Ask Around
One of the best ways to find a good dentist is by asking people you trust. Get recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who have had good experiences with their dentists. Don’t just ask about the doctor but also about their staff and services, such as whether they’re open on weekends or offer emergency care.
Research Reviews
Once you have a list of prospects, take time to research them online. Sites like Yelp and Google reviews provide feedback from previous patients that can help you make an informed decision. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view of the dentist’s experience level, bedside manner, pricing structure, etc.
Look Into Their History
Before making your final decision, check out their background history with state dental boards or other databases such as Healthgrades. Make sure they are licensed and authorized to practice in your area — having the proper credentials should give you peace of mind that they are fully qualified. It’s also helpful to look up how long they’ve been practicing and if they specialize in any particular treatments or procedures.
Set an Appointment
Once you’ve done all your research, schedule an appointment for yourself or your entire family. If applicable (especially for kids), go for a meet-and-greet before actually setting up an appointment — this way, everyone can get comfortable with the settings before committing time to any actual dental work needed later on down the road. It’s also a great opportunity to interview them personally and make sure they understand what kind of services fit your needs and those of your family members (such as accessibility issues).
See The Right Type Of Dentist
Not all dentists are created equal. Some dentists specialize in specific types of treatment and spend 3-4 more years in college to become experts in their field. Others are general dentists who offer basic care for the entire family. Even some general dentists have specialized services training, so they don’t have to refer patients to another clinic.
If you need or want a specific service, ask the dentist’s office if it’s something they offer. They might not, and then you’ll need to call around to find someone else.
Finding a good dentist takes patience but is worth it in helping maintain optimum oral health over the long term!
References:
https://www.humana.com/dental-insurance/dental-resources/how-to-choose-a-dentist
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/finding-dentist
https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/dental-health/how-to-find-a-good-dentist
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/how-to-find-a-good-dentist
