Although regular brushing and flossing are ideal ways to maintain your oral health, the best way to keep your mouth healthy is to attend checkups with a dentist. Regular checkups help ensure the cleanliness of your teeth and gums, which improves your overall health and keeps you safe from disease.

If you’ve moved to a new city or you just haven’t found a dentist you trust, it can be overwhelming to try and navigate the sea of dentist offices when your teeth are in need of a cleaning. Every office claims to have the best dentist services, so how do you choose the right one?

Luckily, there are ways to find the perfect dentist for you. In this article, we’re going to share the most important things to consider when choosing a dentist. Just keep on reading to find out what they are!

1. Get Recommendations

One of the best ways to learn about a great dentist is by word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers about which dentists they use, and find out which ones offer the kind of services you need.

Create a physical or digital list of potential dentists, and then conduct your research from there. Don’t be shy to call each office and ask them any questions you might have.

2. Research Credentials

It’s crucial that the dentist you choose has board certification. This ensures that you’re getting a dentist with all the proper training, skills, and experience to provide you with the best healthcare possible. Board certification also confirms that the dentist has no malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

To find out about a dentist’s medical education, training, and all other certifications and credentials, you can search them up on state websites.

3. Experience Matters

It might be obvious, but the more experience a dentist has makes them better equipped to handle regular and emergency procedures. While this doesn’t mean you should automatically write of newer dentists, it’s important to keep in mind that professionals that have been in the field longer may be able to provide you with better service.

If you have a specific condition or are interested in a certain procedure, don’t be afraid to ask a dentist about their experience with it. How many patients have they seen with your condition? How do they handle patients with dental anxiety?

4. Read Reviews

Another great way to find beloved dentists is to read patient reviews. Whether they are good reviews or bad reviews, reading about what previous patients have to say about the dentist and procedures speaks volumes about the quality of the office.

If a certain dentist racks up glowing reviews, they might be worth giving a visit! On the other hand, a dentist’s office with poor reviews won’t be worth your time and you should keep on looking for your perfect match.

5. Know About Costs and Insurance

In order to reap the most dental insurance benefits, it’s important that you select a dentist that participates in your insurance plan. This will ensure that you pay as little out-of-pocket as possible during your visits, which saves you money in the end.

If you don’t have dental insurance, you will need to contact your prospective dentist’s office and let them give you information regarding costs and fees.

6. Understand Available Treatments

Not every dentist’s office is made equally. Some dentists offer treatments and procedures that others do not, so it’s vital that you understand what is offered before you make a decision.

For instance, if you’re interested in a product like Invisalign, you should be aware of the fact that not every dentist is certified to apply them. So if there is something specific that you’re looking for, always make sure that the dentist offers it.

7. Keep Location in Mind

How important is the dentist’s location to you? Some patients are willing to spend a long time during the commute to their appointments while others prefer an office within five minutes of their home or workplace.

If you have a less demanding schedule, maybe location isn’t too much of a deal-breaker for you. 

8. Research Emergency Care

Anybody can have a dental emergency, and if you or a family member has one, you’ll want your dentist to be able to provide you with the immediate care you need.

Check with your prospective dentist to find out about their flexibility when it comes to emergency care. Some offices have flexible after hours while others can book weekend appointments for patients.

It’s always best to choose a dentist who will be able to treat you if you ever do have a dental emergency. Better safe than sorry!

9. Ask About Dental Technology

Today, dental procedures are streamlined by high-quality, innovative technology that creates a better experience for the patient. Before you decide on a dentist, make sure that they are invested in keeping the latest, up-to-date dental tools and technologies so that they can deliver the best experience to you.

After all, nobody really looks forward to a dental procedure, but the quality of the technology can make it smoother and less unpleasant. However, some practices that offer these technologies may end up costing you more.

Now You Know How To Choose the Best Dentist

Now that you are aware of these tips to help you choose the best dentist, you can do so with confidence. No matter which dentist you decide to go with, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable and that you receive the high-quality service you deserve. Stay smiling!

Have any more questions about how to find a dentist? Don’t hesitate to contact us here and learn more about how Willow Creek Way can assist you in your search!