Whether you’re moving to a new area, your insurance provider changed or your dentist retired, finding a new functional dentist can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some simple tips to help you narrow down your options.
For example, learning more about your dentist’s credentials can give you a good idea of their background and experience.
Ask for Referrals
A great way to find a dentist near you is by asking friends and family for referrals. This will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone you trust has gone to a dental office before and had a good experience.
Additionally, a lot of medical web-resources like Yelp and Angie’s List have dentist listings where you can read patient reviews. While these aren’t quite as powerful as a personal referral, they can still be helpful when looking for a new dentist.
Another great place to ask for referrals is from local doctors and pharmacists. These types of professionals will have vetted out the dentists they recommend to their patients, so you can be sure they’re good places to go.
Check Online Reviews
Whether you’re looking for a dentist because you’ve moved, your employer changed dental insurance plans, or you simply waited too long to visit your current dentist, finding a new one doesn’t have to be difficult. Asking for personal referrals from friends and family members is always a good starting point, but online reviews are also an important tool to consider when searching for a dentist.
When looking at dentist online reviews, it is important to look beyond the star rating and read the comments from patients. It is also important to see if the dentist has responded to any negative or positive reviews. Professional dentists proactively respond to patient feedback which is a great way to build trust with potential patients.
It’s also a good idea to verify that the dentist is board-certified and has a valid state license. This is something that can be done easily by visiting the American Board of Dental Specialties website and searching for your dentist.
Check Your Insurance
One of the first things you should do after you’ve narrowed down your list of potential dentists is to check whether they are in-network for your dental plan. This is important because it could save you a lot of money on your dental care.
Another thing to consider is how much experience the dentist has. If they have a lot of experience, it means that they’ve been around for a while and that they have probably worked on many different patients with varying needs.
On the other hand, if the dentist is newer, it doesn’t mean that they’re less capable. In fact, newer dentists can be more up to date on the latest dental techniques.
It’s also a good idea to ask the dentist about their education and training. You can do this by asking them about their school, graduation date, and how long they’ve been practicing. You can also look up their board certifications on the American Board of Dental Specialties website.
Check Your Instincts
If you have been struggling to decide between a few dentists, don’t be afraid to go with your gut instinct. A dental office that treats you well and has great customer service will likely be a good fit for your family, especially if they are able to answer any questions that you may have about specific services or fees.
If possible, it is always a good idea to ask for recommendations from trusted medical professionals as well. Whether it is your family doctor or a pharmacist, they will likely have an idea of the best dentists in your area.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential dentists, be sure to check online reviews. A simple search for the dentists on your list will often bring up a variety of websites with reviews. Some of the most popular include Yelp and Angie’s List. Make sure to read the reviews carefully, paying special attention to those that mention things like comfort levels and ease of scheduling.
