Brushing twice a day and flossing nightly are dental hygiene cornerstones, but what about the professional side of keeping your smile bright and healthy? For many people, dental visits aren’t always the highlight of their day. In fact, approximately 36% of American adults have a fear of dental treatments, with 12% of them affected by it severely. But finding the right dentist can completely change that experience!
Your dental care provider becomes your partner in promoting oral health, and you can entrust them with keeping your smile bright and healthy. However, finding the right dentist can feel like searching for a unicorn, considering that there are plenty of options out there.
Worry not as this guide will share with you the steps to finding the perfect dental care provider, ensuring your pearly whites get the TLC they deserve.
Assess your dental needs
One of the first steps in finding the right dental care provider is to take a good, hard look at your specific dental needs. Are you simply looking for a general dentist to provide preventive dentistry and handle regular cleanings and dental check-up? Or do you require more specialized care, like orthodontics to straighten those pearly whites, periodontics for gum issues, or endodontics for root canal treatment?
If you need a dentist to take care of your family’s regular dental needs, as well as provide cosmetic dentistry treatments and dental emergency services (e.g., oral surgery), you may consider choosing Evident dental services or those from reputable clinics near you. They offer a wide range of dental solutions that aren’t only limited to teeth cleanings and tooth extraction alone.
Ultimately, getting crystal clear on the exact kind of dental service you require will help streamline your search and ensure you find a provider who’s an expert in that particular area.
Location, location, location (and insurance!)
Convenience is a huge factor when choosing a dental provider. After all, who wants to spend hours sitting in traffic just to get their teeth cleaned? So, take a good look at the dental offices near your home or workplace. Consider traffic patterns and your typical schedule. If you’re an early riser, maybe a dental practice with morning appointments would be ideal. Or perhaps you need evening or weekend availability to fit it in with your busy life.
And don’t forget about dental insurance! If you have dental coverage, double-check that the practice is in-network to maximize those benefits. A quick visit to their website or dental office, or a friendly phone call can give you the scoop on insurance and payment options.
Consider the experience and expertise beyond the certificates
A dentist with a sparkling new degree is great, but experience matters, too. So, while credentials are important, take a peek at how long a dentist has been in practice, particularly if you have specific dental needs.
Maybe you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who has tons of experience treating kids. Do note that 30% of children between two to six years old are prone to experience dental fear and anxiety (DFA), so you’ll need one who’s an absolute whiz in handling young patients.
Or perhaps you’re interested in sprucing up your smile with cosmetic solutions like dental crowns or dental implants. In that case, you’ll want experts in these areas. A little digging into their background and areas of focus can go a long way in ensuring your oral health gets the specialized attention it deserves.
Read reviews and recommendations
When choosing a dental provider, word-of-mouth can be pure gold. In fact, a recent survey found that over 49% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family.
So, don’t be shy about tapping into that wealth of honest feedback. Scope out the dentist’s practice website, Google reviews, and social media pages to see what current and former patients are saying. Are they praised for having a gentle touch and calm bedside manner? Do they run on schedule, or is there always a crazy wait time? How well do they communicate and explain procedures?
You can also ask around your inner circle for personal recommendations. Maybe your coworker raves about their dentist, or your doctor has a trusted referral. These first-hand accounts can offer invaluable insights that online reviews just can’t match.
Don’t forget about their bedside manner
A dentist with good bedside manners can make all the difference, especially if you experience anxiety during dental procedures. You want someone who listens to your concerns, explains things clearly, and puts you at ease. Thus, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation appointment beforehand. This allows you to meet the dentist and staff, get a feel for the dental office environment, and ask any questions you might have.
Understand the costs and your financial options
Dental care can be an investment, so it’s important to understand the costs involved. Most dental offices provide upfront estimates for procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask about different payment options, including financing plans or using your dental insurance.
About 79% of Americans are also known to have dental benefits covered by their employers; if you’re one of them, ensure to maximize such.
Takeaway
Finding the right dental care provider is an investment in your long-term oral health. By considering these factors, you can navigate your options with confidence and find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and empowered to take charge of your smile. Remember, a healthy smile is a happy smile, so prioritize your oral health and find the perfect dental team to partner with you on your journey!
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