Dentists - Tips to Help Find Yours

While most people don’t have much issue turning to their local yellow pages for referrals to dentists, the truth of the matter is there are quite a few additional things you can do to find proper care. Whether you’ve recently moved to a new area or have become dissatisfied with your current oral health professional, finding new dentists is not a task which should be looked upon lightly. In this article, we will outline a few tips to help you in your search.

Step 1 – Obviously, the first step is still going to be looking through your yellow pages. This will help provide you with an idea of exactly what’s out there and allow you to view address and contact information for practices in the area.

Step 2 – Talk to friends and family members in the area to find out who they use. Most people stick to someone once they’ve found them and are more than happy to tell others exactly why they’re so pleased with their current situation. Discuss various options with those you can trust and obtain information regarding specialties, education, location, insurance specifics and anything else you can think of.

Step 3 – Contact your state board to obtain recommendations on practices that are in good standing. You will be able to view complaint histories, any outstanding charges or suspensions, along with educational backgrounds and other specifics to help point you in the right direction. You can also use this resource as a way to check up on the practices you’ve found and been recommended.

Step 4 – Hop online and research your top picks. Most areas have online databases which allow users to rate and review dentists in order to provide perspective to others. This can be a great way to find out new information about current candidates as well as learn about other options that are available to you.

Step 5 – Weed through your information and choose your favorite three of the bunch. Contact each and ask to come in for a free consultation. Many dentists offer initial consultations free of charge as a way to promote their individual services. Use this as a way to find out whether the dentist is right for you. Come prepared with a list of questions and discussion topics and take notes on the responses. If you feel uncomfortable or like you’re being pressured into something you’re not certain of, it’s always ok to excuse yourself and leave.

Step 6 – Now with all of the information you’ve gathered, it’s time to make a decision. Sit down with your notes and compare and contrast your candidates. Avoid settling for someone solely on price or insurance specifics alone. Be sure your dentist is one who can treat you appropriately and whom you would feel comfortable entrusting with your health. Once you’ve made your decision, go ahead and schedule an appointment. If during this time you realize that you made a mistake, you can always move yourself in a different direction.