Things to Consider when Choosing a Dentist

After your doctor, your dentist is probably the most important person to see for preventive care. Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you, and you want to put your best face forward. Not only that, but tooth pain can be miserable. So, how do you decide what dentist to trust with your teeth?

Types of Dentistry

The first step in choosing a dentist is to determine what type you need. A dentist may hold a doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) or a doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) degree. There are eight recognized specialties in dentistry including dental public health, endontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric dentistry.

Whether you are concerned about a specific issue, need more than just general care, or need someone specialized in pediatrics or gums, the right dentist is out there. In general, you are going to see a general dentist before you see a specialist. They can diagnose your problem and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Where to Begin Your Search

Where do you begin when looking for a dentist? If you open the phone book, you're likely to find many dentists in your city. One thing to consider is the location of the office. The more convenient it is for you to get there, the more likely you are to keep up with regular checkups. Choose an area of town you feel safe visiting. In addition to location, make sure the office hours fit with your needs and schedule.

Visit All Prospective Dentist Offices

Once you've narrowed things down, begin to look at the particular dentist. When you go to the office, are you treated professionally? If the atmosphere is too casual for your comfort, or if you always have to wait for extended periods of time and appointments run late, it might not be the best office for you.

You can also inquire at the beginning about the types of procedures that the dentist performs. If they only do cleanings, filings, and very basic procedures but you know you need more, you may want to shop around. If you can find a dentist who meets most of your needs, it will eliminate the need to transfer records and build relationships with more than one doctor.

If you are very squeamish about visits to the dentist, you may want to ask about what types of anesthetics the office uses. For people who are very sensitive or afraid, some doctors offer normal dentistry under sedation.

Ask Questions

One very important question to ask is what kind of dental plans or insurance the office accepts. The type of billing services the dental office offers may be a huge factor in choosing the best dentist for your needs. Will they bill your dental plan/insurance or bill you directly? Is co-pay or the fee for services due on the day of your appointment? Make sure you have all of your questions answered before making your final choice.

Another great source of information is your friends, relatives, and co-workers. They can steer you towards dentists they particularly like, and warn you against dentists that they've had problems with in the past. For great doctors and dentists, word of mouth is one of their strongest marketing methods.

How to Find a Good Dentist

A good dentist should take interest in you as a patient. Their care should be centered on tooth care maintenance and prevention of problems. At your initial appointment, the dentist should inspect your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks.

When you find a dentist you think may work for you, don't be afraid to call their office. Many times it's possible to make a "meet and greet" type appointment where you go in, meet the dentist, see the office, and have any questions answered. There may be a fee for this, but it will ensure that at your first appointment you are familiar with your surroundings and completely comfortable.

Dental health shouldn't be a difficult area of life. By choosing the right dentist for your needs, you'll save yourself time and make sure that the road to a beautiful smile is a clear one.