Sooner or later, we're all faced with the task of needing to see the dentist for a visit. While many have regular preventive visits, others avoid not only regular cleanings, but needed services such as handling a cavity, chipped tooth or even toothache or abscess. Some avoid the dentist because they have real anxiety and dental fears. Many times they have not even looked for a dentist until they reach a crisis point . . . then they need to find a good dentist fast.
For many people it can be unsettling when trying to find a new dentist. Where do you begin? How do you find something who is honest, trustworthy, skilled and just plain nice? The list of concerns can grow, anxiety rises, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Most dentists try to set their practices apart from others in their area by offering unique services, focusing on their experience or skills, or by offering competitive prices, all while claiming to provide top care. Most all have the common goal of wanting to maintain a strong and comfortable doctor-patient relationship. So how do you narrow down the field of dentists and find one that feels like a good fit for you?
First, look at some of the reasons why you need to see a dentist:
- toothache
- jaw pain
- cavity
- loose tooth
- chipped or broken tooth
- missing teeth
- broken or lost filling
- broken or lost crown, cap or bridge
- sports injury to mouth, teeth, jaw or tongue
- auto injury to mouth, teeth, jaw or tongue
- infection or abscess in mouth
- loose dentures
- crooked teeth
- chronic bad breath
Then, look at what you look for in a good dentist:
- trustworthy
- fair prices
- honest appraisals of what you need
- honest recommendations of what is the best treatment
- respectful of your time
- convenient location
- convenient hours
- friendly staff
- accepts your insurance
- is sensitive to your anxiety / dental fears
- experienced
- utilizes modern technology and equipment
- stays current in training, education and new techniques
- is skilled
- respected by his peers
It is always better to have found a great dentist before you need them for a dental emergency. But how do you find a dentist that meets all your top wishes in the competitive and sometimes confusing world of dentistry? Here are some suggestions:
1) Ask friends, relatives or co-workers for recommendations. People will freely recommend a good dentist.
2) Do an online search and visit different dental websites for dentists in your area. If there is a specific need you have, such as gum disease, see who offers that specific service and take a look at what they say on their website. You should get an immediate "feel" for who they are.
3) Then take a look at how they rate with the factors which are most important to you. Don't be afraid to be specific:
- How much experience do they have?
- How long have they been practicing in your area?
- Is it a private practice or a large group practice? (this may or may not be important to you)
- Have they invested in new technologies that can provide a better experience?
- Do they offer non-invasive techniques that are usually less painful and shorter recovery times?
- Do they accept your insurance and/or offer payment options for cash pay?
- Do they offer patient financing for larger procedures?
- Do they offer convenient hours or have options for emergencies?
4) What do their patients say about their experiences with your top choices? This can reveal a lot about the dentist and his/her practice. Some say that review sites encourage complainers, others show that they encourage those who are happy to share with others. In truth, it's probably a bit of both. Do the reviews you see seem genuine? Good reviews typically reveal small details about their visits that let you know they're real. When you get several patients with similar experiences, it is usually a good indication that this is "normal" for that dentist.
4) How does the office respond to you when you call their office or send an e-mail for more information? Do they listen to your needs or do they push you for an appointment before you're convinced they're the right fit? Do they offer a consultation with the dentist or do they require that you see a hygienist or other staff person for an evaluation?
5) Once you schedule a consultation visit, assess how well the dentist explains his findings and recommendations. Do you feel they listened to your wishes and needs? Did they have your best interest in mind? Do you feel they addressed any concerns that you had, and that you were given options? Were you given time to make a decision or did you feel rushed or pushed into making a decision on the spot?
Remember, you do not need to feel obligated to have a treatment if you're not convinced you've found the right dental office. Sometimes you need to think things over following your initial consultation, and you should feel okay with that. A good dentist will understand that it is not always easy to look for a dentist, and that many factors go into selecting one.
Once you do find the "right" dentist, you'll feel relief knowing that you can turn to your new dentist for any dental need that may come up. A great dentist will make sure you understand treatment recommendations and options, will instill trust, and may even relieve your fears of going to the dentist!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is a writer who is a regular contributor to Dr. Gregory R. Bowen's blog. Over the last 30 years she has published articles on a variety of topics, authored two books, and writes for several blogs.
