How to Find a Dentist

There are so many dentists that it can seem overwhelming to know where to start your search. However, with these tips on how to find a dentist, you’ll be prepared to go into any dental office feeling confident and prepared to talk about your needs and desires as the patient. Follow these steps, and you’ll soon have the perfect dentist in your future!

Search Google

You can find dentists in your area by simply Googling, dentists near me. If you prefer, you can find professionals by first selecting a specialty. For example, if you need orthodontic work, search for orthodontists or if you require cosmetic dental services instead of general treatments, search for cosmetic dentistry near me. Either way, Google has an extremely intuitive interface which helps narrow down specific results that meet your needs and preferences.

From there, narrowing down further is easy. Clicking through on one of these listings will give you phone numbers and even street addresses, as well as past patients’ reviews (which can be quite helpful). In addition to searching through websites such as Yelp!, it’s best to also talk with friends and relatives who might have some suggestions for local specialists as well. Networking isn’t just beneficial when it comes to finding jobs! And if it does come time for a second opinion about something more serious than a routine cleaning…you’ll want someone honest on your side. Choosing a dentist without checking their credentials is like choosing an accountant without reviewing their qualifications!

Ask Friends & Family

If you haven’t yet found your dentist, ask family and friends for recommendations. They likely have gone through what you’re currently going through and can help point you in a good direction. This is especially helpful if your local area has multiple dentists; without any existing relationship or knowledge of where one dentist stands compared to another, it can be difficult to feel confident about making an appointment with anyone at all. Get someone else’s perspective!

You might just find they take great care of their teeth—and that could make finding yours easier too. (You’ll also get recommendations on whether their office offers live music, coffee, discounts for veterans…the full gamut.) Ask them how long they’ve been seeing said dentist and why they keep returning to that person/practice. For many folks these days, location isn’t really an issue—with mobile technology allowing for speedy travel across city lines—so keep that in mind as well: if you can travel outside your neighborhood comfortably to see a new practice/dentist, do so!

Use Dental Associations

One great way to find a dentist is by going through an association. For example, in some areas, you may be able to visit your state’s dental association website and narrow down your search by doctor name, location or specialty. These sites will often provide contact information for practices so that you can schedule an appointment and get all of your questions answered directly. Local dental associations are also another excellent resource; they typically work with a network of dentists throughout an area and can usually put you in touch with one near where you live. Alternatively, if there’s no association in your town, look up dentists or dental clinics on Google Maps and then call any places that seem promising.

Check Reviews Online

When you’re in need of medical or dental care, it helps to have an idea of what your options are. If possible, check online reviews before scheduling an appointment with a doctor or dentist. Just be careful not to let reviews sway you too much – even great doctors and dentists can have bad days, so consider also going with someone who has lots of experience but fewer online reviews. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you have dental insurance coverage (and most people do), be sure that your dentist is in-network. That way, you won’t end up on the hook for some pretty hefty bills. While finding a dentist can be stressful, armed with all these tips should help!

Talk To Your Doctor

A lot of people think finding a dentist is as simple as picking up the phone book, or using an online search engine. The truth is that most dentists have websites these days and often have reviews, too. In fact, your doctor might even be able to point you in the right direction. They’re always on top of things like who’s doing good work in their area so they can recommend them if needed. Another option is to ask some friends and family; they may know someone who’s had a positive experience with an area dentist. In any case, consider it your duty as a patient to find out what others say about their experiences before making an appointment!