Maybe you relocated to a new neighborhood, switched jobs, or you need a change. People search
for new dentists due to an array of reasons. Whichever way, you need to settle for the right dentist
who will look out for your best interests. Besides, you are searching for more than an expert to
clean your mouth. Your dental health is a crucial aspect of your overall health, and you do not want
to choose a friend and partner. With several dentists (see our 1st article on general dentistry) to choose from, patients ought to be careful to avoid falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, you do not have to wait for a dental emergency
for you to search for a dentist. These tips should help you settle for the right dentist for all your
dental needs.
Getting a referral
It would be helpful to ask your current dentist (see our practice) to recommend a reliable dentist if you are moving to
another city or community. However, you need to go beyond that by checking with your family
doctor or your local pharmacist for recommendations. You can also use your social network to help
you find a good dentist. Let your social circle know that you are looking for a dentist because word
of mouth is among the most effective ways of getting a reputable dentist. Additionally, you can
search for a dentist on the internet or in the yellow pages. But, do not forget that not everyone
who has been advertised is reputable.
Location and office hours
You need to consider choosing a dentist who works close to your home or office. That way, it will
be easy to schedule appointments even in the evening and to get there on time. Also, you might
experience a dental problem that requires urgent care, so you need a dentist who is easily
accessible from your office or home. When choosing a dentist, make sure that the dental office is
open at times or on the days when you are in a position to show up for an appointment.
Cost
You need to know the cost of a dentist before you choose him or her. While the prices vary by
practice, it is wise to ask for estimates charged by your dentist on common procedures like root
canal therapy, teeth whitening, crowns, dental implants, and fillings. Besides, you might have to
pay part of the cost even if you have dental insurance. You should also consider the payment
options offered by the dentist as well as if the dental expert accepts your insurance. Also, find out
if the dentist can provide referrals to specialists if the insurance plan needs recommendations to
specialists.
Consider the experience
Experience is integral when it comes to dental health. The more experienced a dentist is with
dental conditions or procedures, the better the results. Therefore, you should not overlook the
importance of experience when choosing a dentist. You can know the experience of a dentist by
asking him or her about the number of cases handled relating to the kind of dental procedure you
want so that you find out the rates of complications the dental expert has dealt with in the past.
You can then compare them with your risk complications. Additionally, you can ask dentists how
they handle dental anxieties from former or current patients so that you gauge their expertise in
various dental concerns.
Research hospital quality
Most dentists treat patients in a dental clinic or a hospital setting, especially for dental procedures
like root canal therapy. As such, you should consider the quality of care provided by the dental
clinic or hospital where the dentist operates. Studies reveal that the chances of survival increase
and complication rates reduce in high-quality hospitals.
Next Up: What questions to ask a new dentist.
