Everyone has to go to the dentist sometimes. An unexpected dental problem could pop-up, or annual cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health.
Where you go when an emergency or routine visit arises depends on one person–your dentist. But finding the best dentist isn’t always easy. Your family doctor may suggest a clinic or surgery far from your home, for instance. If you have children or appointments during the day, waiting until the weekend for an appointment could feel like too long.
If you find yourself wondering “what’s a good dentist near me?”, this short-list of tips may help. Read on to learn how to find the best local dentist for you, your family, and your schedule.
1. Consider Their Location
When searching for the best local dentist in your area, it should be easy to get to the office. The office should also be easily accessible by public transportation, if you need to use it.
If the dentist office is too far away, it could be difficult to make it to important appointments on time. A close location allows for appointments to be made more easily and for any potential emergencies that arise to be taken care of quickly.
Furthermore, it’s best to look for a dentist who is open at convenient times. Many offices now offer Sunday hours for those who work full-time. Finally, it would also be best to choose a dentist who is near to your home in case of an emergency or unexpected issue.
2. Start with Referrals
The best way to start finding the best local dentist in your area is by asking for referrals. Reach out to your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to find out who they use. Make sure to ask what they like and if they would recommend the dentist.
Ask if the dentist is friendly and competent, and if the office is clean and organized. Doing research on the dentists you are referred to is also crucial. You should check websites and ratings, read reviews, and ask questions about the dentist’s qualifications.
3. Check The Credentials and Experience
Ask for the dentist’s documents to verify credentials and licenses. Check into how long the dentist has been practicing, as well as what type of experience and qualifications they have. Confirm if the dentist graduated from an accredited dental school and if they are members of any professional associations.
Ask the dentist about their treatment philosophy, as well as verify their experience with certain procedures or specialties. Inquire about continuing education that the dentist has completed. Ensure the dentist and their staff are up to date in their knowledge of recent developments in dentistry.
4. Check Their Work
When it comes to finding the best local dentist in your area, be sure to check their work. Seeing examples of past work will give you a better idea of the dentist’s skill level and overall quality of work.
Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients they have treated. You can even ask for referrals from previous clients. Good dentists take great pride in their work, and will be more than happy to show it off. While you’re at it, ask if the dentist is qualified to perform specific treatments and procedures, as well as any forms of anesthesia they use.
5. Look for a Dentist that Offers Comprehensive Care
This means accessing services that go beyond regular checkups and cleanings. Look for a dentist that provides a variety of services, from emergency care to orthodontics, periodontal and cosmetic procedures.
Consider the dentist’s staff, how professional, welcoming and accommodating they are. Also, research online for patient reviews and ask friends and family for referrals. It is important to give yourself time to evaluate the doctor’s services offered, communicativeness and friendliness.
6. Consider The Dentist Approach To Insurance Plans
Inquire to the receptionist about the practice’s payment plans and insurance plans-many of which include different types of coverage, such as HMOs, PPOs, and indemnity plans.
Ask what kinds of services they provide-preventative, corrective, and cosmetic dentistry-as well as if they offer orthodontic options or specialty services like periodontics and prosthodontics.
Be sure to ask about any discounts or promotions, such as special financing or group rates. Finally, make sure that you meet the dentist and staff face-to-face and ask questions to make sure that they’re qualified to meet your needs.
7. Check Their Policy on Emergency Visits
Call the local dental office and ask for the emergency visit policy. Find out if there are options for an after hours visit or weekend visits. Find out if the dentist has a time limit in which they must contact you back regarding your call.
Find out if practitioners are on-call and authorized to provide treatment for emergencies. Determine if specialist referrals can be given to another doctor when needed. Consider the pros and cons of the dentist’s emergency visit policy before selecting one to make sure they can accommodate your needs.
8. Ask About Their Availability
One of the best tips when it comes to choosing the best dentist in your area is to ask about their availability. Are the hours flexible enough to accommodate your busy lifestyle, or are they strictly office hours?
Not only should you consider their hours of operations, but take into account how quickly they can work you in when you need emergency care. Find out if the dentist is available on weekends or late in the evening to make sure that you have access to the dental care you need when you need it.
9. Visit Their Dental Office
This way you can get to know the office and discuss any questions or concerns you have about the services they offer. You will also gain a better feel for the staff and the personalized dental treatment & care they provide.
Furthermore, you can make sure that the dental office is properly equipped with the latest technologies and equipment that will benefit you as a patient with your particular dental needs.
Choosing the Best Local Dentist
Looking for a dentist can be an intimidating and confusing process, but these tips for finding the best local dentist in your area have hopefully made it a bit easier. Take your time in researching possible dentists and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Looking for more tips and ideas? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other posts now.
