How to Choose the Best Dentist
The process of choosing a dentist can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, particularly when you are in an area where dental offices are plentiful. However, if you have a general idea of what to look for, you can increase the chances of finding a highly qualified dentist with whom you feel both confident and comfortable.
Here are a few tips on finding the best dentist for you and your family:
Research Qualifications, Experience, and Background
It is important to research prospective dentists who are experienced and have been extensively trained in the practice of dental care. Memberships in prominent dental organizations, training in several different types of dentistry, and education from respected dental institutions can all serve as good indications of a dentist’s qualifications.
Evaluate the Treatments and Services Offered
Make sure the dentist offers treatments and services that you need or may need in the future. From routine and preventive dental care to more complex treatment options such as dental implants or endodontics (root canal therapy), it can be helpful to find an office that provides a comprehensive range of options in order to limit the necessity of referring patients to other locations for care.
Take a Look at Patient Reviews and Before-and-After Photos
Patient reviews and testimonials available on the practice’s website or from reputable third-party review sites can give you an idea of the dental team’s success rate and approach to care. A before-and-after photo gallery featuring patients who have been treated at the practice can also give you a clear look at the results for which dentists at the office are capable of providing. If a smile gallery is not available on the practice’s website, you should feel free to inquire about viewing one at the office.
Review the Practice’s Technology and Techniques
The use of advanced technology and techniques such as digital x-rays, mercury-free dentistry, sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety, and other options can tell you whether a practice embraces some of the latest advances in dental care to enhance comfort, precision, and efficiency for patients.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, the final step in choosing a dentist is to schedule an oral exam and consultation. This can help you evaluate your rapport with the dentist and determine whether you are comfortable with their overall approach to care and communication style. Good dentists should always make you feel like you are being heard and that all of your concerns are being addressed thoroughly and honestly.