Moving? Find A Top Dentist In Your New Community
Posted on: 10 April 2015
There are lots of details to attend to when you move. One important detail is to find a new dentist in your new community. Here are some tips to help you find a top dentist near your new home.
Think about what you need in a dentist
Make a list of the things you want in a dentist. If you have young children, you might want someone who is good with children and who has a welcoming office. If you have a phobia of the dentist, you may want someone who specializes in patients who have had bad experiences or who practices sedation dentistry. Think about what you have liked and disliked about previous dentists as you make your list.
Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a dentist is to ask people which dentist they go to and how they like them. Asking the name of their dentist is a good start, but don't just leave it at that. Ask what they like about their dentist. If you want a dentist who spends a lot of time with you to make you feel comfortable, you may not want to take the recommendation of someone who says, "Oh, I like Dr. Dental because he gets me in and out of the office fast."
If you have children, ask other parents with children of similar ages what they like about their children's dentist. If your children have a fear of the dentist, ask if their children do too. You will want a dental practice that has experience working with children who don't like the dentist.
Your doctor or pediatrician may also be able to recommend a dentist.
Check their backgrounds
After you make a few inquiries, you should have a short list of three or four dentists that have been recommended by multiple people. Go online and check out their backgrounds and reviews.
The American Dental Association web site has a listing of dental societies by state. Your state directory will list the dentists that are members of their state dental society. Make sure you are looking at the state dental association website. Some other website will list dentists in the state, but they may be paid listings that are really advertising.
Visit the office
Narrow your choices down to two or three, then call the offices to see if you can make an appointment to meet the staff and see the office. If you have children, or family members who have a fear of the dentist, bring them along to see where they feel most comfortable.
Remember that, while finding a top dentist is an important decision, it isn't an irrevocable one. If you don't feel comfortable with your dentist for any reason, don't hesitate to switch. Your dentist should be an ally in the care of your teeth, so you need to feel comfortable with them and their office.
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