Most people don’t look forward to visits to the dentist. Some people even downright despise them. Even if you are one of these people, it’s important for you to look for a good dentist to call upon before you find yourself in dental emergency. Visiting the dentist regularly is crucial to maintaining good oral health and preventing major tooth issues in the future. If you’re still in the process of finding a dentist who is a good fit for you, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a couple of things you should do:
1 – Ask your friends and family
Chances are some of your friends and family know a few great dentists. If you’re moving to another town, consider asking your current dentist – they may have some connections to dentists in your new area. You can even ask a local hospital or your health insurance provider. Chances are they have lists of dentists that you can check out.
2 – Keep convenience in mind
Your dentist should be accessible to you. Opt for a clinic that isn’t too far from home or work. Be sure to check their office hours too – you probably won’t want to take the morning or afternoon off just to go to the dentist.
3 – Give prospects a call
Once you’ve come up with a list of potential dentists, look up their numbers and give them a call. This allows you to verify location and office hours. However, it will also give you a good look into how professional they are. When you call, who are you put in touch with? Do they seem distracted or irritated? Do you have to repeat yourself several times? Any of these things could be red flags. Look for a clinic that makes you feel welcome, even from the moment you call.
4 – Prepare the right questions
When you give each clinic a call, take advantage of the opportunity to ask them a few questions regarding the extent of their services. Do they offer preventive care or only corrective care? Do they have x-ray facilities in the clinic? Do they offer emergency services?
Besides inquiring as to the extent of their services, ask about their payment procedures. If you’re on health insurance, will they bill directly or do you have to pay and get reimbursed on your own? This will help you filter out any clinics that may be too much hassle.
5 – Search online
Use the internet to your advantage by looking online for dentists in the area, like searching ‘Seattle Dentist‘. Google’s Local Search tool can be incredibly helpful. Visit the websites of potential dentists to see what they offer. You can also tell a lot from their website. Look for a practice with a professional, updated site. Give them bonus points if they are active in offering health tips and additional information for their patients. This is an indicator that they care about more than just getting you in and out of the office. Of course, make sure you look into reviews. This will give you a much better idea of the experiences other people have had with the practice.
6 – Meet face-to-face
After you’ve gathered information online and through the phone, it’s a good idea to arrange a consultation with the prospects on your shortlist. You can only learn so much online. By having a consultation in person, you can get a better idea of the dentist’s personality and how well they get along with you. It’s important for you to feel comfortable.
While you’re visiting each dentist, ask about their approach to dentistry and whether they can meet your needs. Do they do regular cleanings to help you stay on top of your oral health? Are they able to provide any special treatment that you may need? Pay attention to how they answer and avoid those who seem impatient and unwilling to answer your questions.
7 – Consider prices
Great dentists often aren’t the cheapest. It takes a lot of money to run a practice and run it well. A clinic that offers suspiciously cheap prices could be taking some shortcuts to do so. Don’t settle on a dentist just because they’re cheap. Look for the prices of common procedures and compare them to each practice so you get a better idea of what a fair price is in your area.
8 – Do a background check
Disciplinary actions taken against licensed dentists are public information that can be accessed by anybody. If you have any one dentist that you’re seriously considering, contact the State Dental Board to check their credentials and make sure everything looks good.
It’s time to find a great dentist
If you haven’t been having regular dental checkups and don’t have a dentist to call, it’s time to find one. Having a regular dentist is invaluable to your oral health and will ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy. Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!