Dentists perform a number of procedures on the jaw and mouth area with the help of dental assistants and dental hygienist, and finding the right fit for you and your family needs all comes down to what your expectations are. There are many dentists available and finding the right one can be a challenge but using helpful tools accessible to you such as physician, online research, and word of mouth from others, you can find the right one for you in your local area.
First,
start researching the dentists in your local area and see what they offer. If you have young children you may want to find a family dentist that caters to all age groups, or if you or others in the family need braces you may want to research the orthodontics in your area. The best way to find the right dentist for you in your local area is to learn about the different fields of dentistry. The more you understand about the different types of professionals that are available, the better your choices will be in finding the perfect fit for you and your family.
It is usually best to start with a general dentist, which is licensed to provide treatments, develop treatment plans and diagnose dental problems. If you need additional specialized work, your general dentist can then refer you to a dentist that is specialized in the particular area you need work on.
When trying the find a dentist for procedures such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental crown, dental fillings and more the following should be considered in locating the best one for you:
• The length of time the dentist has been practicing
• The clinical experience and training of the dentist as it relates to the particular procedures you need.
• If the dentist performs some but not all of the procedures you need, inquire about his/her referral process.
• In cases of emergency, ask if the dentist is available on weekends or after hours.
• Inquire about dental costs; what procedures are covered by insurance, payment plans, etc…
• Inquire about discounts that may be available to you.
• You can also ask the dentist to provide you with patient reviews and testimonials of from other dental patients, or you can go online and research the patient reviews on this particular dentist.
Many times, it is best to choose a Pediatric dentist for your preschooler because they have up to 2 to 3 years of specialized training after dental school and only treat children. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the different temperaments of children and those that have emotional and physical disabilities. If you have received a referral to a Pediatric dentist or you just need one, the following are some steps you can use to find the right one for your preschooler.
1. Talk to your child’s pediatrician, which may be able to provide you with a list of some in your local area. Word of mouth is often the best source in finding dentists, and other parents can tell you of some they have used.
2. You can visit websites of the AAPD (American Association of Pediatric Dentistry) and the ADA (American Dental Association) to locate dentists that are close to you.
3. Visit several dentists before committing on one. Call the dentist office and try and schedule an appointment to meet so you can inquire about the services you are looking for and your expectations.
4. Once in the waiting room, check out and see if it is kid friendly. Are there any toys, children’s magazines, child-sized furniture in the waiting area?
5. Size up the condition of the overall dental office.
6. Consider the interaction of the staff with the parents and children. Does the dentist have a friendly demeanor when taking to your child or other children?
Locating the best dentist for your needs may take time but it is best to do a lot of research in this area to ensure a long lasting relationship with a qualified dentist. Make a list of your expectations and try to get as many answered satisfactory to your liking before committing to a particular dentist for you and your family, your teeth are worth it!
