How To Choose a Dentist

What Should I Look For When Choosing a Dentist?

You and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable with. To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point:

• What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule?
• Is the office easy to get to from work or home?
• Where was the dentist educated and trained?
• What’s the dentist’s approach to preventive dentistry?
• How often does the dentist attend conferences and continuing education workshops?
• What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to administer to help you relax and feel more comfortable during any necessary dental treatment?
• What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to tend to emergencies.)
• Is information provided about all fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled? If you are comparison shopping, ask for estimates on some common procedures such as full-mouth X-rays, an oral exam and cleaning, and filling a cavity.
• Does the dentist participate in your dental health plan?
• What is the dentist’s office policy on missed appointments?

If visiting a dentist’s office:

• Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly? Do all surfaces and equipment in the treatment room appear clean?
• Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
• Do you observe the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?