Choosing the right dentist may seem like a daunting task. With so many people in the dentistry industry, finding a dentist can be intimidating. Knowing what dental services you need will narrow down your options considerably, making it easier to decide who to see.
Preventive dental is what most people picture when they think of dentistry. Routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, cavity fillings, and root canals are all part of preventive dental work. Cosmetic dentistry involves implants, teeth whitening, and bonding, which fixes chipped teeth. You may also wish to see an orthodontist. Orthodontics was the first dental specialty, and you would visit an orthodontist if you wanted to have your teeth straightened.
Once you know what type of dentist you wish to see, it is time to start narrowing down your prospects. First, ask your friends and family for recommendations. While a recommendation alone is not a good reason to visit a dentist, you should put the recommended dentists on your list of people to consider. Next, consider location. Is the dentist’s office near your home or job, or would you have to set aside an hour just to travel to your appointments?
Once you have a good list of prospective dentists, it is time to get on the phone. Find out which dentists accept your insurance. Ask about office hours, and how far in advance appointments should be scheduled. Try to find out which procedures are done in-house and which are outsourced. You may also want to ask if the dentist is a member of organized dentistry, such as the American Dental Association.
Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule an appointment with each dentist. While at the office, consider how courteous the staff are, and whether they took steps to protect your privacy during check-in and check-out. Is the office neat and clean? Think about the impression the dentist gave. Would you feel comfortable interacting with them on a regular basis? Do you trust their recommendations?
When you have visited all of the dentists on your list, you will probably have a good idea of who you will continue to see for dental care. If it was one of the people recommended to you by a friend – awesome! If not, that’s fine, too. What matters is that you have a competent, reliable dentist that is able to meet all of your needs. Research more like this.