Having a dentist that you have confidence in - and feel comfortable with - can go a long way in maintaining your oral health. But finding the best dentist isn’t always so easy - especially since there are so many to choose from and all dentists are not created equal.
Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make sure that you secure the best dentist for a future full of healthy, bright smiles. Here’s how.
Narrow Down Your Search
As we said, there are a lot of dentists out there. If you live in a highly-populated area, then you know this to be true. So, rather than look at all the potential dentists, you can narrow down your search right away based on a couple of criteria.
Decide how far you are willing to drive. If having a dentist 10 miles away isn’t convenient, then leave those dentists off your list.
Consider your dental insurance or discount program. If you have either of these, you may be limited on which dentists you can use. Be sure that the dentists on your list are part of the network for your insurance or that they participate in your discount program.
You want to make it as easy as possible to choose the best dentist, so don’t make it too hard on yourself. Remove the ones that just don’t fit from the beginning.
Check Services and Specialities
Once you have your list of potential dentists, take some time to review their websites. What are their services? What are their specialties? And what it is you need from your dentist in regards to these things?
If you are interested in dental implants, for example, you will want to be sure the dentist offers them. Or, if you need a couple of root canals or are battling periodontal disease, you will want to see that these are things they handle.
For those whose websites are not so informative, give a quick call and ask your questions.
Then, those dentists who offer the services or have the specialties you are interested in, keep them - and cross the rest off the list.
Talk To Those You Trust
While you may not want to put too much stock in things like Google reviews, checking out the reviews can give you a general idea of how their office works. On the dentist’s website, you can usually find some testimonials, too.
However, if you are looking to get the opinion of others, turn to those you trust. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. See who their dentist is, what they like about their experience there, and if they would recommend them.
You can do this step initially to gather the names of dentists before narrowing down your search. Or you can ask around about the few dentists you have chosen to see if anyone has had a personal experience.
Schedule An Appointment
What better way to get a feel for a dentist’s office - and a dentist - than to schedule an appointment?
From the moment you walk into the dentist’s office, take note of the way you feel. Is it welcoming? Notice the cleanliness of the place and whether it has been modernized. This could be a good sign that the dentist is up-to-date with procedures and technology.
Have a list of questions for the staff and the dentist. Anything you want to know from treatments to payments. Pay attention to whether you feel comfortable communicating with the office and if you believe you can have a good rapport with the dentist.
Take note of how you feel after you leave. After all, this visit can give you all you need to know about which dentist is right for you.
Looking For a Dentist in Attleboro?
Attleboro Family Dental Care offers a comprehensive list of dental services to the community. And they have been doing so for over 20 years. If you are looking for the best dentist, schedule an appointment with our office and discover why we are your hometown dentist.
Call Attleboro Family Dental Care today at 508-222-2510. Or, request an appointment online.