Simple steps to find a good Dentist

If you are looking for a good dentist, a look into the yellow pages will help you to find the dentists who are available in your area, especially if you are new there and do not know anyone to recommend a dentist. Hence, the first thing for you to do is to make a list of possible candidates by checking out the yellow pages and advertisements, talking to the local hospitals, visiting websites of dental schools or just going through the phone book.  But in order to find out how good he is, there are some simple steps which you can follow. 

The simplest way to find a good dentist in your area is by word of mouth.  Just ask family, friends, colleagues and neighbors about their dentist, or ask them whether they are familiar with any of the names that you have already collected.  You should immediately get all the details that you require: whether they are satisfied with his treatment, the dentist’s personality, his fees, and the atmosphere in his office and if you want to take your children to him, whether he is a kid-friendly dentist.

In this way it is possible that you may collect a few references. You can also find out whether the dentist accepts your insurance.  Find out too about how easy it is to get an appointment. Even your insurance company may have a personalized list of dentists in your area from which you can choose.

If you do not find any recommendations from friends or neighbors, it is advisable to visit any local health care facility or the local hospital where a dentist is available.  Also, if you are moving from one part of the city to another or to another city, you can ask your current dentist to recommend a dentist in your new area or city.

The best way to decide on the choice of your dentist is to talk to the current patients. If you have received a recommendation through a hospital or a health care center, you can still ask for a patient referral and find out what they think about the dentist.    

Look out for the professional qualifications of the dentist and also the availability of emergency care during office hours, at night or on a weekend.  Last but not least, your personal comfort with the dentist is important, because he should explain the procedures to you, should answer all your questions and you should feel comfortable to explain your pain, fear and anxiety to the dentist at all times.