So you’re looking for a dentist. Maybe you’ve moved to a new town, you don’t like your current dentist, or possibly you haven’t been to the dentist in years. Whatever the reason you’re probably not inclined to walk into the first dental office you see for an appointment. Going to the dentist (sadly) is not the most pleasant experience and so you want to at least feel well taken care of and comfortable while there.
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests these ways to go about finding a new dentist:
· Ask family and friends for a recommendation.
· Ask your trusted family doctor or pharmacist.
· If you’re moving, ask your current dentist for a referral.
· Contact the dental society in your area.
Don’t feel like you can’t call or visit a couple different dentists before making your decision. There are things that need to match your schedule and daily habits/commute, such as the dentist’s office hours and office location. You also might want to learn about the dentist and their approach to preventative care. Does the dentist attend conferences for continued education? How do they handle emergency situations? Does the dentist participate in your insurance plan? If you don’t have insurance find out about payment plans and fees.
If you’re visiting the office, take in the atmosphere. Is it clean and neat? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Do you feel welcome? Make sure that you get all your questions answered. If you feel good about how the dentist and staff communicate, your questions are answered well, and the atmosphere is inviting, then you just might have found the right dentist for you and your family.