If you have a toothache that needs to be addressed, it shouldn’t give you a toothache trying to find a good dentist. It is important to keep up with your oral health to prevent the risk of developing other dental issues.
Tooth loss can make it hard to eat and can be very embarrassing when you smile; it can often cause depression and self-esteem issues in adults. American dental care is top-notch, but preventative measures are always the best route to take, and that starts with finding a dentist. Good dental hygiene and frequent dental visits can prevent tooth loss and decay; here’s how to find a dentist:
The American Dental Association recommends asking family, friends, neighbors, and/or co-workers what dentist they see, or if they have any recommendations for other dentists in your area.
Another option would be to ask your family doctor or your local pharmacist may know of a good dentist. Some people often skip out on seeing a dentist for quite some time if they’ve moved recently. If you plan on moving, get ahead of the game and ask your current dentist if they know of any dental office in the area. If not, check the local phone book once you’ve moved.
If all else fails, get in touch with your city or state dental society, they will give you a list of dental offices to choose from that range in price. Find dentists that either work with a university, at a private practice, or are funded by the state to provide care.
Finding a dentist is half the battle; now that you’ve chosen a few offices, it is time to start narrowing down your options. Here are a few tricks on what to look for when choosing a dentist:
First things first, a good dentist will make you feel comfortable. They should be genuinely happy to see you in their office and will try to answer your questions to the best of their ability. Don’t be afraid to ask them the following questions:
- What are their office hours? Check to see if they match up with your personal schedule.
- Where did the dentist get their degree? Find out if this is a respectable program or university.
- What main approach do they take to preventative dentistry? Decide whether you agree with their views.
- Does the dentist attend conferences and conventions to further their knowledge in dentistry?
- What is the office policy for missed or canceled appointments? If these are too strict, look elsewhere.
- Does the office honor your health care plan? If not, it will be hard to pay for dental care.
When walking into the office, take note of any first impressions. Is the office clean and organized? Is it well ventilated? Do the patient rooms appear sterile and orderly? Is the staff helpful and engaging? Most importantly, does the staff honor safety regulations, such as wearing gloves, not reusing equipment that hasn’t been washed, etc?
A good dentist and dental office will hit all of these marks spot on, and in turn you will enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile for as long as you are with them. More like this blog.
