Find Your New Dentist in 6 Simple Steps

Locating a quality dentist isn’t all that hard. Though the task may appear daunting at first, the process is really quite simple. Whether you have just moved into town or are dissatisfied with your current oral health specialist, there are a few things you can do to make the process involved in finding a new dentist easy.

Step 1

Begin by asking close friends, family members and co-workers who they use, if they are satisfied with the service provided, the price range and the ease of obtaining an appointment. Inquire as to the physician’s personality, whether they treat children, and if their office is inviting and comfortable. Additionally, you’ll want to find out whether they accept your insurance. Asking people you trust may be the best way to find someone you like.

Step 2

If you are new to an area, locating a dentist can be difficult due to the fact that you may not know many people. In cases such as these, try getting in touch with local health care facilities and hospitals to obtain recommendations. If you are currently planning your move, speak to your current oral physician to see if they know of anyone they can recommend in the area where you are headed.

Step 3

Your next step in locating your new oral health specialist is to inquire with local dental schools. Many of these institutions will be able to provide you with a wide range of services at a much lower rate than if you were to seek out a professional office. In addition, a certified specialist will oversee all of the work being performed at these schools. If you’re not too particular, this may be a wonderful way to obtain quality care at an affordable rate.

Step 4

Hop online and skim through the yellow pages. Your local directory will likely provide you with dozens of area options. This will provide you with a good basis to get yourself going with.

Step 5

Once you’ve come up with a good list of candidates, call up your top three picks in order to gain a general feel of the practice. Many offices will also offer complimentary consultations to new patients as a way to sell them on their services. Use this opportunity as a way to get to know the dentist face to face while evaluating the office environment, the staff and the equipment. Bring along a list of questions and discussion topics and pay close attention to how they are addressed. You’ll want to find someone who is friendly, confident and qualified, while also making you feel at ease.

Step 6

Once you’ve met with your picks, you should have a fairly good idea of which option works best for you. Give them a call and schedule yourself a cleaning. If you happen to be unsatisfied with the appointment, there’s no harm in taking a few steps back and trying someone else.