Dentist - What To Look For

If you are looking for a new dentist it can be hard to know where to begin. Most people find one based on the word of mouth referrals from friends, family or co workers. If you have a chance to look at and compare it can be very helpful to find the one that will work best for you. Of course even if you don’t have any referrals to go by you can be assured that you will find someone with whom that you will be happy with for a long time with just a little leg work.

You should begin your legwork with a phone query to get some basic questions answered. Make a list of questions that you want answered before you begin your calls so you will be prepared. Some basic screening questions that you can ask the receptionist include asking what the office hours of the practice are. How are after hour emergencies handled including emergencies on the weekends? Will they accept your form of insurance or if you are a cash paying client will they accept payments or give you a discount for paying cash?

You should also verify that the location is going to be compatible with your home or work location. If you are dependent of public transportation to get you there for example, will you be able to get there easily? Nobody wants to transfer two or three times and go across town during rush hour for an appointment if they can find a suitable doctor who is closer to home or work. So keep location in mind when you begin your search, it will become important to you later if not now.

If you feel the dentist will work for you after your initial phone call screening, you should schedule an initial consultation and meet the doctor and the staff. Is the office waiting area clean and the staff friendly and professional? Your initial appointment is a good chance to talk to the dentist about any concerns or fears you have about the office. Most understand that patients are reluctant to seek out prompt dental care because of fears about the dentist and have made the effort to make the appointment as painless as possible with headphones, music or TV to distract you.

This is where you should discuss all of your needs and concerns to make sure the doctor is right for you. For example if you need nitrous oxide in addition to having shots to be worked on make sure that is something that the doctor is able to do. If everything meets your expectations and needs, congratulations you have just found your new dentist and your search is over.