There are several factors to consider when choosing a dentist. Check out these tips to help choose the best dentist for you:


Check Qualifications

Make sure your dentist went to an accredited school and is up-to-date on licensing, techniques and procedures. Diplomas and licenses should be posted and viewable by patients.

Evaluate Cleanliness
Ask how the dental group keeps their practice sanitary. Do hygienists wear gloves and face masks? How are instruments sterilized? Is protective plastic covering the equipment and replaced before each patient?

Compare Prices

For the ultimate value you want an affordable dentist that delivers superior care. Feel free to ask about fees and financing options. Confirm they carry your insurance before scheduling a dentist appointment. Providing information upfront will allow time to verify costs before procedures are performed.

Verify Service Offerings

If your teeth are in good shape, a family dentist can provide general dentistry including complete exams, dental cleanings, composite fillings, porcelain crowns, tooth extraction and dentures. Most family dentists can also provide a dental night guard for those that grind or clench and teeth whitening as well.

If you have dental issues, find a practice that specializes in restorative dentistry and endodontics. Once teeth and gums are healthy, a dentist who practices cosmetic dentistry, like a dental implant dentist can help you look great too!
If you have children, a pediatric dentist or kids dentist who understands young teeth and personalities, can foster a lifelong habit of good dental hygiene they will carry into adulthood.
For crooked teeth, an invisalign dentist can help with most alignment issues while orthodontists can provide both types of braces (traditional and invisalign braces).
Lastly, find out if your dental center has an emergency dentist on call, in case you have a dental emergency, like a broken tooth.

Ensure They Are Gentle

Gentle dentistry is what sets good dentists apart. Any hygienist can perform a dental cleaning, but thoroughness combined with a gentle touch makes the experience much more comfortable. This also applies to other dental services like dental crowns and amalgam fillings.

Assess The Care Factor
As dental work can be stressful, it is important to choose a dental group that makes you feel taken care of. Kind staff from the first phone call and dentist appointment, through procedures and payment can truly help you feel at ease. If you don’t feel comfortable, find a dental clinic that is dedicated to making you feel as relaxed as possible.

Map the Distance

The convenience of having a local dentist is important, especially where a few miles in heavy traffic can add thirty minutes to your drive time. Once you check “find a dental clinic near me” off your to do list, you will have more time to tackle the next task at hand.