Having the name and number of a dentist you can trust can make all the difference to your health and well-being, so why does figuring out how to choose a dentist feel so difficult? Not knowing what to do when you have a toothache, for example, is something that could be easily solved if only you knew how to find the right dentist.
It’s understandable to feel lost in the admin when all you want to do is make sure you can have regular checkups so that small issues are always addressed quickly. With so many different practices, choices of locations, and various treatment plans and online rating systems, knowing who to choose may be confusing.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss what to look for, how to find the information, and the key considerations you need to make. Let’s start by considering the essentials you need.
Choosing a dentist is all about making sure they tick a series of boxes that we can lay out as follows:
If you can find a dentist that offers these 5 things without compromise, you will know that you are always in the best hands.
Finding the right dentist may sound like it is nothing more than the luck of the draw based on where you live, but that should never be the case. Follow our step-by-step guide below and you will be on the right path from day one.
Every good dentist will have a prominent online presence because they are proud of their work and always prepared to engage with their patients. You can find useful information by:
As well as conducting your own search, you may wish to ask friends, neighbors, and colleagues who they trust when it comes to their oral health.
Dentists who do fantastic work in their local community will come highly recommended by your friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Sometimes it’s easiest to ask someone you know for a personal recommendation as they may have already found the right person. Ask several people you trust and may be surprised at how easy it is to expand your search.
A good dentist will offer a highly accessible, convenient location that makes it easy to drive to and manage your time. Here at Nzedmd, we believe that being right at the heart of our local community allows us to provide a convenient setting for our clients as well as the time and space to get to know them on a personal level. The result is a level of trust in our services that is reflected in our online reviews.
Paying a quick visit to the dental office to speak to the reception team in person is something that people used to do before the rise of the internet, and it still works today. Alternatively, you may also wish to consider:
Looking for a team that offers plenty of additional educational resources can make a difference too. For example, our guide on how to switch dentists is just one of the ways we can help you get to know us, and crucially, ensure you get the expert help you need at the same time.
Once you have found a clinic that looks like it ticks all the boxes, the next step is to take a closer look at the credentials, training, and accreditations of the dentistry team. Many dental practices will include professional profiles on their website that detail qualifications, certifications, and any ongoing training each member of the team is working on.
A reputable practice will have a professional team that has studied at prestigious institutions and takes an active role in both lifelong learning and continued professional development. An example of this would be how our dental team constantly learns and trains in new treatment fields so our patients have access to the latest technology.
A dental clinic that offers a combination of routine services, preventative treatments, and aesthetic procedures will cover everything you are ever likely to need. If you know from past experience that you have a specific need, reaching out and discussing it with their team before signing up is the way to go.
A dental practice that puts a lot of emphasis on preventative care will consistently be able to increase the number of positive patient outcomes across the board. Finding a clinic that allows you to take care of small problems long before they become painful major issues makes a lot of sense.
Emergency care can be needed no matter how diligent you are when it comes to your oral health. Finding a practice that can offer short-notice treatments and appointments can provide real peace of mind.
An experienced practice will be able to handle any of the more complex procedures such as restorative treatments and issues below the gumline. Clarifying what they can offer during your initial fact-finding will help you make the right decision.
If you search ‘dentist near me’ and take a look at the practice with the most online reviews it will give you a clear idea of what their patients think of them. Clicking on the Google Maps window and then clicking on the practice’s pin on the map will open their Google Business Profile — another rich source of customer reviews.
If there are any negative reviews, take a look at how the practice manager replied to the patient and how they put things right.
Clarifying your insurance and payment options with a new practice doesn’t have to be difficult. Ask the reception team to guide you through your options so that you know how it works. A team that offers precise and concise advice is likely to take the same approach when you get in the chair.
Knowing how to choose a dentist also involves keeping an attentive eye during your first visit:
Finding good dentist clinics is a matter of finding a place that is comfortable to be in and reassuring to visit. If you feel at ease as soon as you walk through the door it’s a sign you’re in the right place.
Parents looking for a good dentist will want to know that the clinic or practice is child-friendly, especially if a child has not been to the dentist before or if they have complex needs. Pay attention to how the staff talk to your little one as well as how they address you.
You need to look for dentist practices that are surgically clean and uncompromisingly hygienic. Pay close attention to how they clean and prep while you are there to gain additional insights.
If the technology appears to be outdated or undergoing repair, this is a sure sign that the practice is not reinvesting in the future of dental care. Look for the right combination of experience and innovation to provide yourself with peace of mind.
As you choose a dentist, you may find it useful to ask these 3 key questions:
Gauging how easy it is to make an appointment by talking through the booking process with the reception team is also important. Our guide on how to make a dentist appointment talks you through everything you need to know to get your first appointment scheduled without delay.
We take pride in making sure that you receive the highest standards of care combined with a personable and professional approach from the moment you walk through the door. Not only do we cover all of the elements to look for in this guide, but we also go above and beyond when it comes to making using our services truly seamless.
Knowing how to choose a dentist is all about weighing up a variety of factors and considerations. Expertise, experience, location, accessibility, and customer reviews all need to be factored into the equation as you make your choice. Reaching out and connecting directly with the practice can also set your mind at ease and show you that you are speaking with the right people.
We are always happy to guide you through everything you need to know when you need the best dental practice in your local area. Our goal is to always deliver professional dental services with the personal touch that you can only receive from a practice that is at the center of your local community.
Trying to find good dentist clinic options in your local area is all about looking for someone with experience, a track record, and flexible appointment options. You want to see that they can accommodate your needs and are ready to offer expert help whenever you need it.
The best way to find a dentist is to search online for someone with online reviews and patient testimonials. Once you find someone who appears to fit the bill, you can then make contact directly to see if you feel comfortable. If they answer your questions clearly and concisely in a way that puts you at ease, you have found a good dentist.
Yes, you need to find the best dentist practices because only they can take care of your teeth and overall oral hygiene the right way. You can think of it as a chance to preserve your quality of life for years to come so that toothache or gum disease never slows you down.
A bad dentist will have a dwindling list of patients, little or no positive online reviews, and typically be hard to contact and communicate with. Poor hygiene standards, outdated technology, and a lack of access to the latest types of treatment are warning signs to look for when you want to spot the signs of a bad dentist and ensure quality treatment.
The most common mistakes dentists make are to conduct an incorrect or partial diagnosis resulting in an unsuitable treatment pathway, and also to fail to gain informed consent from the patient. The dentist you choose needs to have a strong track record of getting the initial diagnosis right and talking their patients through what it means.