Finding a new dentist that you trust to care for your smile can feel like a tricky business. Any dentist can claim to be the best, but how can you know for sure? And since you’ll be visiting them at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings, it’s worth it to make sure you’re getting great care from the very beginning. The best place to start is looking through their website. Then you can call or email with any questions before scheduling your first visit. In the short guide below, you’ll get an idea of what you should look for during your search!
Multiple Dentists Under One Roof
Having more than one dentist available to meet your needs is helpful for a couple of reasons. First, many practices that are staffed by just one dentist are only open four days a week. Multiple dentists are usually open five days a week, which makes it easier to schedule appointments.
Also, if you need dental care while one dentist is on vacation or out of the office for any reason, you won’t have to worry about going somewhere new.
Training and Experience
Look over a dentist’s bio page to get an idea of their education and experience and find out if they’re members of professional groups like the American Dental Association. This way, you can make sure they stay up to date on the latest techniques and have the right training to provide great care.
A Comprehensive Range of Services
Your dental needs are likely to change over time, and if you have a family, everyone will need different services at the same time. Finding a dentist who offers comprehensive care makes it a lot easier to get many different procedures under one roof. Here’s what to look for:
- Checkups and cleanings that include preventative services like oral cancer screenings and fluoride treatments
- Children’s dentistry
- Invisalign clear braces
- Restorative care like fillings, crowns, dentures, and bridges
- Dental implants
- Sedation dentistry for fearful patients
- Sleep apnea therapy and TMD/TMJ treatment
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Emergency care
Affordability
It’s not uncommon for an employer to change insurance plans, so look for an office that accepts all types of insurance. If you’re uninsured, you’ll benefit from an office that offers an in-house savings plan and financing to make your dental care more affordable.
Modern Equipment and Technology
Here are a few things to look for that will make your dental work faster, more effective, and more comfortable:
- Digital X-rays
- Soft-tissue laser
- Intraoral camera
- CT/Cone Beam scanner
By spending time researching a dentist beforehand, you can make sure you have a positive experience at each visit and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
About the Author
With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Krunal Patel is a dedicated family dentist and graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry. He’s proud of the high-quality care patients receive at his practice and looks forward to many more years of service. If you’re looking for a new dentist and have any other questions, he’s happy to help and can be reached via his website.
