How
to Find a Good Dentist
Finding the dentist who is right for you is key to establishing and preserving
excellent oral health. It's a mistake to pick a practitioner out of the
phone book or choose one solely based on insurance coverage. The search
for the right dentist might take some time and some effort. But the results—better
health and progress toward the perfect smile—make it all worthwhile.
The
best way to find a good, reputable general dentist is by referral from a friend
or family member. If you're seeking a specialist, try your family dentist for
the best referral.
But
what if you don't have a regular dentist? Perhaps you've moved recently to a
new neighborhood, your prior practitioner has retired, or like many Americans,
you've simply put off going to the dentist for so long that you realize you
don't have a dentist.
Of
course, it's possible that you don't fall into any of these categories. It's
conceivable that you have a skilled dentist committed to his or her patients
and that you are delighted with the quality of care he or she provides. Of
course, in that case, don't recommend that you blithely switch practitioners
simply for the sake of change.
Whether you're satisfied with your current dentist, reading this article
should raise some interesting questions for you to consider. You may realize
that your current dentist is the best choice for you. Conversely, you might
decide it's time to do some research and find the dentist who's best equipped
to help you with your present needs.
It's
important to mention that individual preferences play a large part in what is,
in the end, a personal choice. The dentist who has treated your neighbor for
twenty years and "walks on water" as far as your neighbor is
concerned might be wrong for you. It isn't necessarily a question of
competence, but one of style, interpersonal dynamics, and relevance for
particular health needs. Nevertheless, asking your neighbor for a referral is
an ideal place to start your search. After all, a fine dentist will create
great word of mouth.
You
might also ask for referrals from others who have steered you right in the
past. Consider consulting coworkers, cousins, your pastor, your gym workout
buddy, your fellow fire department volunteers—anyone whose judgment you trust
and who lives or works within a reasonable distance of the dentist's office.
Finally, surfing the internet will introduce you to a myriad of dental
sites and directories. These sites offer information on various dental
procedures as well as lists of local dentists. Remember to examine specific
qualifications like special experience and teaching appointments—and don't
forget to consider how convenient the dentist's location is to your home
or work. When you ask for a referral, ask some or all the following questions.
•
How long have you been treated by Dr. Houston Dentist?
•
How did you learn about Dr. Houston Dentist?
• Is
insurance coverage your main consideration?
•
How helpful are the hygienist and other office personnel?
• Why did you change from your previous dentist?
•
How long does it take to get an appointment with Dr. Houston Dentist?
•
What is Dr. Houston Dentist's best quality as a dentist?
•
What, if anything, about Dr. Houston Dentist's practice annoys you?
These
questions all call for subjective answers, and that's the point. Your
neighbor's criteria might be (and probably are) different from yours. For
example, insurance coverage may factor heavily in some people's decisions,
whereas others might have particular health needs or scheduling needs to
consider. Speak with people you trust and you'll quickly see just how
subjective the entire process truly is.
You may be also interested in:
Eight Criteria for Selecting a Dental Office
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