Referrals: Having someone you know and trust recommend a dentist is a good place to start.
Location: If you are considering all family members, your search should probably start near your home. However, if your search is for yourself only, a location closer to your place of employment might be a better choice.
Available Services: Having a dentist that can provide the majority of services you may need prevents being referred for different treatments. Regular dental visits for cleaning and exam; cavity prevention and treatment; solutions for gum disease or gum recession; teeth whitening; dental bonding and tooth colored fillings are standard for most dental practices. Other considerations might be restorations such as crowns and bridges, cosmetic work, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, endodontic therapy, and periodontal therapy.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time for a personal visit to check for:
Cleanliness – If the waiting room is a mess or the floor is dirty, this may be an indicator of the condition of the rest of the office.
Staff – Are they friendly and helpful? If new patients are not treated well, that situation probably won’t improve over time.
Insurance – If you have dental insurance, you should make sure it is accepted by your dental provider.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the dentist or staff, move on. After all, these are the people that you are entrusting the dental health for you and your family. Great dental health is imperative for good overall health.
Moving to a new location is hard enough … do the things you can to make your dental transition as easy as possible. If you’re new to the area and are looking for a dental provider, call our team at Friendly Dental Care. We’re here to answer any questions or to schedule a visit.