How to Find Qualified Dentists

If you’ve recently moved to a new area or are unsatisfied with your current dental care situation, you may be asking yourself how people go about finding reliable and qualified dentists. With so many options to choose from in any given region, it can be difficult and somewhat overwhelming to weed through the mess and acquire the quality care you and your family deserve. In this article, we will offer up a few helpful hints to help you through the decision process.

Step 1 – Call your insurance provider and ask for recommendations on oral health professionals in your area. This will narrow the field and provide you with candidates who will be covered under your insurance plan.

Step 2 – Speak with your general physician in hopes of obtaining additional recommendations for practitioners in area. In many cases, your physician will be able to provide you with suggestions of practices which he or she has had favorable experiences with, either personally or professionally. Most physicians will possess a broad knowledge of other health care professionals to which they can refer their patients. Ask them who they trust with their dentistry needs.

Step 3 – Get in touch with friends, family members and co-workers to gain an even broader perspective of your available options. Ask about their specific experiences with their dental care physicians and obtain information regarding location, available insurance information and the quality of the care provided.

Step 4 – Online resources are in abundance. Utilize local review sites to check up on the dentists that have been recommended, taking into account user submitted reviews and ratings. You should also keep an eye open for new candidates whom you may not have heard of prior.

Step 5 – Once you’ve obtained a solid list of potential physicians, sort through it and narrow it down to your top three choices.

Step 6 – Call each practice up to schedule a consultation. Most physicians will offer this service free of charge as a way to promote their skills and abilities. Take this opportunity gain an in-depth look at the office environment, ensuring it is clean, comfortable and well equipped to suit your individual needs. If you have children, keep a look out for child-friendly literature and toys in the waiting room.

Step 7 – Discuss your needs, concerns and wants with each physician and ask them what they can provide you with. Your dentist should be confident in their ability to help you and you should be comfortable discussing any issues you may have with them. Ask questions regarding their education, experience and expertise.

Step 8 – After you’ve met with each physician, it’s time to make your decision. Avoid making this decision based on price alone, rather opting for the type of care you will receive. Keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for and oral health care is not a place to cut corners. Call your chosen physician to schedule an appointment. If you find that the dentist’s abilities or demeanor does not suit your liking, you can always go back a step and find someone new.