Find a Dentist for a Dental Checkup

Strong oral hygiene habits are not a substitute for having regular check-ups and cleanings by a dentist. It is important to find a dentist who focuses on oral health and general dentistry when looking to make a dental check-up. By scheduling routine cleanings, concerns with cavities and gum disease will not go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Strategies to pick a good dentist

Rather than spending hours hunting for a dentist, there are several ways you can streamline the search. These four ideas are some of the easiest to do.

Take advice from a healthcare professional

While dental credentials are not the same as primary medical care, it is common for members of the local medical community to know one another. Though the manner, personality, and location of a referral may not be right for every individual, a professional opinion is a good start when trying to find a dentist. Consider asking the local pharmacist or personal doctor for a referral on where to schedule a dental check-up.

Reach out to friends and family

Friends and family are often the first places to start when looking for recommendations for healthcare providers. Though dental check-ups, regardless of the practice or provider, tend to include the same general services, be prepared for a variety of opinions. The relationship between a patient and dentist should be built on trust and respect, and one poor experience may tarnish that relationship. Take each story or experience into consideration, but do not count out a dentist on one incident alone.

Check on public online opinions

Social media and the internet are some of the more popular ways people nowadays narrow down a new dental care provider. In addition to reading a biography of the dentist or seeing pictures of the office, it is possible to find out what the general public feels about a particular provider. Reading through the review of current or former patients or checking on the ratings for the practice brings more information to light than a singular experience of a family member.

Call and ask questions

Patients have a personal responsibility to conduct good research and ask a lot of questions before choosing a dentist for a routine check-up. Referrals and opinions can narrow down the list, but asking questions can gain the reassurance needed to make a final decision. When choosing a dentist, consider the following questions:

• Does the provider accept dental insurance?
• How close is the location to the patient’s work or home?
• Do the office hours limit scheduling an appointment so time off work is required?
• What is the general approach to preventive dentistry?
• How are after-hour emergencies handled?
• Is there a cost sheet for common procedures that can be reviewed?