If it’s time to find a dentist, you’ll want to choose the dentist that’s right for you, one who will provide caring, comprehensive care. Afterall, good oral health helps you to achieve good overall health, making choosing the right dentist an important part of your life. But where should you begin? 

Referrals are Important

A good starting point for finding the right dentist is to create a list of dentists to choose from. Ask your family and friends, as well as other members of healthcare for a referral, and take the time to read about each dentist’s credentials and how they are reviewed and rated online.

When you’ve narrowed your list, reach out for a consultation appointment to meet and interview the dentist you’re considering. 

Verify Credentials and Experience

Is your dentist board certified? If so, then you know your dentist has had the appropriate skills, training, and experience to provide excellent dental care. 

You’ll also want to consider your dentist’s experience with specific procedures such as orthodontics or restorative treatments. And if you experience dental anxiety, ask how the dental team takes care of anxious patients. For example, does your dentist offer sedation dentistry?

And if you’re seeking a specific treatment, such as dental implants, is the dentist you’re considering skilled at performing them? 

Evaluate Communication Capabilities

How your dentist communicates with you is important. Is Telehealth provided? While video or smartphone conferencing doesn’t replace visits to the office, it can mean fewer trips and quick, accurate advice through a virtual visit. Telehealth can also be used for routine follow-ups and small concerts, too. 

In general, it’s important to select a dentist with whom you feel comfortable, someone who is responsive to questions and can provide information when you need it. Does your dentist welcome your questions, and provide clear, easy to understand answers? Do you feel rushed when speaking to your dental provider? Or do you feel that your dentist is taking the time to listen to your needs?

Patient Reviews Can Help You Choose a Dental Provider

Reading reviews from other patients can help you learn how a dental practice operates, and get a sense of the office environment and friendliness, too. 

And, if you’re looking for a dentist who can treat other members of your family, it’s important to find out if your children can be treated at the same office, if that is important to you. 

Consider Insurance Coverage

Practically speaking, you will want to choose a dentist who participates in your insurance plan. Naturally, you still want to assess credentials, experience, communication styles and rapport, but making sure that you can receive the most benefits from your insurance, too, is another important factor to consider when selecting a dentist.

Are You Ready to Choose a Dentist?

Remember, it’s important to take the time to determine what you really want from your dental provider. It’s always important to find a dentist who takes the time to listen to your needs, help you evaluate and establish good oral health goals, and supports any concerns you may have about treatment. 

If you’re ready to find the right dentist for you, give us a call! We offer caring, professional dental care that’s always designed to put you first. Reach out to us today – we think you’ll want to choose us! At Maine Dentistry, we work to provide complete patient comfort and unparalleled expertise for your whole mouth health.