Your dentist can make or break your oral healthcare experience, which is why it’s important to find one you love. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or just looking for a change, you should take the time to find a dentist that will help you uncover a smile you love.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a new dentist.
Strong referrals
One of the best ways to find any new care provider is to listen to the advice of people you trust. Ask around for recommendations from friends or family in your area. A caveat to this: take care when reading online reviews. Often, these reviews are biased and inaccurate. Plus, different people value different things, and what works for you may not work for a stranger on the internet. That doesn’t mean these reviews can’t be helpful; it just means you should take them with a grain of salt.
Multiple payment options
Not everyone has dental insurance, and not everyone is able to pay for expensive dental procedures out of pocket. That’s why it’s important to look for a dental office that offers multiple payment options (such as a membership or no-interest financing program). This can help you feel confident that you’ll always be able to get the care you need when you need it, regardless of your financial situation.
Variety of services
Depending on your needs, it may be important to you to find a dentist that goes beyond general dentistry. For example, maybe you are looking for a dentist who offers a particular product for teeth whitening, or who specializes in periodontal treatment, or who practices cosmetic dentistry. The right dentist for you is the one that offers the services you need—not just the “one size fits all” menu.
Friendly staff and calming environment
Your dentist isn’t the only person you’ll be interacting with when you choose a new practice. The office staff, technicians, and assistants will also play a big role in shaping your entire experience. Plus, the office itself can make a difference in terms of comfort and enjoyment. When you show up for your first appointment, pay attention to things like scheduling (and reminders), professionalism, office cleanliness and comfort, bedside manner, timeliness, and so on. If an office is not a good fit for you, you will probably feel it right away.
Attentive care
A good dentist will help you feel at ease about your oral health. They will ask questions and answer your questions thoroughly. They will be honest about the treatment you need and won’t try to upsell you. They should be able to clearly communicate any concerns they have about your oral health, along with the options available to you. Above all else, you should feel listened to and valued at every single appointment.
Finding a good dentist doesn’t always happen on the first try. Be willing to shop around and try out a few different offices before committing. The most important thing is that you find a dentist you love. Your mouth will thank you for it.
