What Should You 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?