Are you having trouble finding a dentist who’s right for you? You’re not alone. There’s no shortage of dental practices to choose from, particularly in large cities; it can be all too easy to become overwhelmed by your options.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to find a dentist who you’re truly comfortable visiting for routine checkups and cleanings. Brushing and flossing alone won’t get rid of all the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth over time; you need a dentist’s help to keep your smile as clean and healthy as possible in the long run.
If you’re still worried about finding a dentist, I have some helpful tips for you! Over the years, I’ve noticed that patients often look at these 3 things when deciding whether a dentist is right for them.
1. The Dentist’s Qualifications
All dentists in the United States are required to meet certain educational requirements. Specifically, they need to earn a bachelor’s degree, enroll in (and graduate from) dental school, and pass exams set by the state or regional board. On top of that, all dentists need to regularly complete a set number of continuing education hours to stay licensed.
If you want to get a feel for a dentist’s qualifications, you should read their bio on their website. You can check which universities they attended for their bachelor’s degree and their dental degree. Their bio may also mention some of the continuing education courses they have taken as well as any advanced training and certifications they have received.
Finding a dentist you can trust for regular checkups and cleanings is often easy enough. But if there’s a specific service that your smile needs, it may be a good idea to see if the dentist has notable experience with the treatment in question.
2. The Services Offered
Not all dental practices have the same menu of services. You can expect most dentists to offer routine preventive care (with the exception of specialists such as oral surgeons). But certain advanced procedures such as Invisalign or impacted wisdom tooth extraction may only be available at specific dental offices.
Before you choose a dentist, you should confirm that they offer the services that you need to protect, restore, or improve the health of your smile. Note that for some procedures, your dentist may or may not need to refer you to a trusted specialist for specific parts of the process.
3. The Reviews They’ve Received From Past Patients
For many patients, the biggest factors for choosing a dentist are their personality and their specific approach to treatment. If you read the reviews that a dentist has received online, you can get a clear picture of how they interact with patients and how they’re viewed by the local community. Are they compassionate? Do they make patients feel welcome? Do they only recommend treatments that patients truly need to protect their smiles? These are some of the questions that reviews can answer.
In the end, choosing a dentist who’s right for you comes down to your personal feelings. You don’t have to force yourself to visit a practice you’re not completely comfortable with. Do your research and consider your options carefully so that you can find a dentist and team who can help you have a dental experience worth smiling about. This can take much of the stress out of future visits and ultimately help you maintain a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Clarine Green Hightower earned her dental degree at the Howard University College of Dentistry. Over the course of over two decades, she has held many dental certifications, with many of them focused on Invisalign orthodontics. At Ambiance Dental Spa in Bowie, she offers a diverse menu of dental services in an environment where patients can feel comfortable and welcomed. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Hightower, you can visit her website or call (301) 262-2624.