What To Consider When You're Comparing Dentists

Oct 22
10:03

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Dentists diagnose and treat conditions in the mouth and problems with teeth. They help their patients prevent problems and they offer good advice. Read on to learn more.

mediaimage
Dentists diagnose and treat conditions in the mouth and problems with teeth. They help their patients prevent problems and they offer good advice. They provide instruction and advice on nutrition,What To Consider When You're Comparing Dentists Articles flossing, brushing, and the like. They fill cavities, straighten teeth, examine x-rays, and repair broken teeth. They also perform surgery on the gums and bones to treat gum disease. They extract teeth and make models for dentures to replace their patients' teeth. They also give out prescriptions for medications and administer anesthetics.

Keep these ideas in mind when you are comparing dentists. The District of Columbia and all 50 states require that teeth experts be licensed. In order to obtain a license in most states, the candidates must graduate from a dental school that is accredited. They must also pass practical and written exams.

Dental schools require two years of pre-dental education on a college level prior to admittance. Most students have a bachelor's degree before they enter dental school. However, some applicants are accepted into dental school after two or three years of college, and they obtain their bachelor's degrees when they are in dental school.

Before you choose a dentist, make sure he or she is educated, trained, and licensed. Don't be afraid to ask for the dentists' credentials.

The best dentists take an interest in their patients and they care about their health. They take thorough examinations including inspections of the gums, tongue, teeth, lips, and skin. The best dentists chart their findings and they are detailed.

Taking the time to search for a great dentist is definitely worth it because a great dentist does great work. Quality work lasts a long time and low-quality work can fall out in a few months or years. A dentist's rates are not a good way of judging quality either. Good dentists take their time and they are attentive to detail.

You can find dentists online and don't forget to check the online reviews. You can search in online directories also. You can also find a dentist by talking with friends, family, and co-workers.

After you find a dentist that interests you, make an appointment to meet with him in person. Ask questions and get acquainted with the dentist and his staff. See if the professional is a good match for you. Ask about payment plans and fees. Ask about the person’s education, training, and clinical experience performing the procedure that you need. For instance, some dental professionals do not offer cosmetic dentistry procedures. If the dentist doesn't offer a specific procedure, ask for a referral. Ask the professional if he belongs to a professional dental society. Some societies require that the teeth experts take continuing education classes. These types of classes keep dentists up-to-date with current procedures. Ask the dentist if he offers emergency care. Is he available on the weekends, holidays, and after business hours? Before you get cosmetic work done, check the dentist's before and after photos. See if his work meets your needs. Does the dentist accept your insurance plan? What does he charge for basic dental work like fillings and cleanings? Determine the dental costs before you go in for treatment. Lastly, make sure you are comfortable with the dentist's location and staff. Is the dental team polite and friendly? If you follow these tips and pay attention to the service you receive, you will have an easier time choosing the best dentist for your needs.