Tips for Choosing an Excellent Dentist
Brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash all contribute to good oral health. Another way to maintain good oral health is to see a dentist each year. But, what if you’ve just moved to a new area and you don’t have one? Or, perhaps you want to switch to a new dentist. No matter the reason, there are several steps you can take to end up with the right dentist for you and your family.
Research the Services of a Dentist
You may be looking for a dentist who simply provides basic services such as cleaning, filling cavities and checking for gum issues. Alternatively, you may want a dentist office like GIO Dental who provides more specialized services such as teeth whitening, putting on veneers and repairing cracked teeth. They can even handle things like dental implants, crowns and sinus surgery as well. It’s a good idea to check a dentist’s list of services so you know you’re going to someone who will provide what you need. Or, if you think you’ll need a particular service in the future, go with a dentist who offers it, so you won’t have to seek out another professional.
Check into the Qualifications and Experience of the Dentist
It’s best to choose a dentist with the right qualifications as well as years of experience. Some procedures require extra training. For instance, whitening with a laser requires training so it’s done safely and effectively for the patient. It’s worth your time to take a look at the qualifications of a dentist to make sure he or she is trained to perform the services you and your family need.
Call the Office with a Few Questions
Calling a dentist’s office is a great way to get a feel for the way he or she does business. Was your call answered quickly? Was the person who answered polite and professional with you? A dentist who is professional and trustworthy understands the importance of first impressions. So, the dentist will make sure calls to the office are handled with courtesy and professionalism.
Check to See the Location of the Dentist
On a practical note, part of choosing an excellent dentist involves looking at where his or her office is located. In short, if there is an emergency or you have to take a child there for several appointments in a short amount of time, you want to avoid excessive travel time. Finding this information can be as simple as doing a search for dentists’ offices near your home. Take note that some dentists divide their time among offices at different locations.
Look at the Online Reviews
Online reviews are very valuable for someone who is looking for any professional including a dentist. Most people who bother to go online and post a review are honest about their experience. Some reviews are just a rating of one to five stars while others include details about the person’s visit to a dentist’s office and how they were treated. Take a look at a dozen or so reviews to get an idea of what patients are saying about a particular dentist.
Ask a Neighbor
Sometimes finding a great dentist is as easy as asking your neighbor. Perhaps you have a young child who needs a new dentist. Neighbors with a child of about the same age may have a dentist they love! You could ask the neighbor questions about the dentist and how satisfied they are with his or her service. A personal recommendation is an invaluable thing when it comes to finding a dentist, doctor, veterinarian or practically any other professional.
Visit the Office
Visiting the office of a dentist takes a little time but is worth it. Look at the waiting room. Is it well-lit and welcoming to patients? Also, is the office staff open to having a potential patient take a tour of the office and meet the dentist? If so, these are signs that you are in the office of a professional who respects and values his or her patients. Be sure to ask questions while you’re there to find out as much as you can about the dentist, his or her services and if new patients are being accepted.
Finally, after making an appointment and visiting the dentist, you can still decide to find another professional to help you with your dental care. The most important thing is you find a dental professional who you feel comfortable with and who listens to you.
