Choosing a dentist involves several professional and personal criteria. The main things to consider are all the proper certifications and licenses, variety of up-to-date services, rapport with adults and children and payment options.
Whether you are moving to a new city or simply need a change,
choosing the right dentist involves more than just skimming through the yellow Web pages. What credentials should you look for? Here are some of the professional qualifications you need to double check:
* Received his degree from an American Dental Associations accredited dental school
* Licensed and board certified by the National and State Boards
* Memberships and board certified by other professional industry organizations
* Trained and experienced in general and cosmetic dentistry
* Years of experience
* Insurance accepted as well as other payment methods and financing
* Free initial consultation
* Offers a wide variety of services so you don’t have to go from doctor to doctor attending to your dental needs
* The services offered are the latest in techniques and products not archaic treatments from years past
While professional qualifications are important, there are other factors that also play a role in choosing the right person.
* Is his practice adult’s only or family friendly? If you have kids, you want someone who has the personality to alleviate their fears and make going to the dentist less scary.
* Kids aren’t the only ones who fear this visit so you want to look for a professional who has a good bed-side manner, so to speak, but doesn’t make you feel like a child.
* Having a good rapport is also important. You want to feel comfortable and like the person who will be rummaging around in your mouth.
* Do you get a good feeling when you walk into his office? Is it clean? Is the staff friendly and welcoming? If you are suspect as soon as you walk in, this may not be the choice for you.
The best way to start your search is to ask around. Get referrals from co-workers, friends and family. Find out what they like about their dentist. Then check off their credentials, whether they accept your insurance, offer the services you are looking for and with a free consultation, you can meet him before you commit.
You may not think about interviewing a new doctor before scheduling an appointment, but doing so can keep you from making the wrong choice. Even a doctor who has all the right dental qualifications and certifications and looks good on paper may not be right for you. People don’t typically jump from one dentist to another with each visit. Just like your family physician or even hair stylist, this is usually a relationship that lasts for years until he retires or you move.
You don’t want to cringe every time you go for either a routine appointment or if you have an emergency situation. You want to show off that beautiful smile as you come into the office and as you leave.
