Besides your oral hygiene habits, regular dental visits contribute most to the health of your teeth and gums. This makes your choice of dentist crucial! However, if you move to a new area or need to change dentists for other reasons, it can be challenging to determine who you should begin seeing. To assist you with this process, view the following tips on how to find the best dentist for you!
Trident General Dentistry offers superior dental care in Charleston, SC. Book an appointment with us today!
Ask Others
People you trust can provide the most help in choosing your dentist. If your friends, family, and co-workers have a bright smile, ask them for the name of their dentist. Find out if they’ve had dental work other than regular cleanings and ask them how well the procedures went. If you can talk with someone who raves about their dentist after receiving extensive dental treatment, you might consider this dentist further.
Other health care providers can also help you find the best dentist for you. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others who provide patient services might give helpful insights into your area’s best dental providers.
Contact Dental Organizations
Local and state dental societies maintain lists of dentists and can supply helpful assistance. The American Dental Association and various other dental organizations can help connect you with one of its members. However, it would be best to keep in mind that membership in an organization doesn’t necessarily guarantee a provider’s ability.
Basic Considerations
Here are some basic questions you should have answered before making your decision:
· Is the office conveniently located?
· Does the office offer hours compatible with your schedule?
· Is the dentist a part of your insurance network?
· Can you set up a payment plan for more expensive treatments?
· How does the dentist treat dental emergencies after hours and on weekends?
· Are sedation options available?
· How long does it take to get an appointment?
Know What You’re Looking For
You certainly want to find a dentist with excellent technical skills. Most practicing dentists can restore, remove, and replace missing teeth and perform other basic procedures. You may need to inquire about specific treatments you know you require, such as dental implants and orthodontics, to ensure the dentist received sufficient training to render the service.
Practice Considerations
Carefully consider these details of a dentist’s practice to help make your decision:
· Credentials. Are specific credentials important to you?
· Experience. Do you prefer a more experienced dentist or a more recent graduate?
· Telehealth. Is telehealth capability important to you for routine follow-ups and minor issues?
· Translator. Is it necessary that the office supply a translator?
· Sterilization. Will the office share their sterilization protocols with you?
· Prevention. Does the practice emphasize preventive dentistry?
· Communication style. Do you prefer a dentist who spends time talking to each patient or gets you in and out of the office quickly?
Set Up A Meeting
After you narrow your list of possible dentists, make appointments to visit each office. These allow you to look around and see if the office is neat, clean, and organized. You can also see if the office staff is friendly and welcoming. Finally, you can speak with the dentist and to determine if you think their personality and communication style are compatible with you.
Schedule an Appointment
These are the top tips on how to find the best dentist for you! If you’re ready to receive the best dental care in Charleston, SC, schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today. With a friendly staff, years of experience, and a variety of dental services available to suit your needs, you can trust us with your smile!