Did you know that approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide have oral disease, and untreated tooth decay is the most common health condition?

If you need a dentist, it’s time to take charge of your dental health and look for the best dentist in your area. However, this process can become overwhelming with so many dentists to choose from. Luckily, you just need to know what to look for when you start your search, and it will go smoothly from there.

Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about finding the best dentist in your local area!

Ask for Referrals

A great place to start your search is by asking family, friends, and coworkers about the dentist they see. There is a good chance one of them has a fantastic dentist that they will recommend to you.

You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist if they have any recommendations. Typically, healthcare providers have more insight into the dental industry and will be able to give you some type of recommendation.

If you’re moving to a new area, you can ask your current dentist for recommendations in your new town.

Don’t forget to tap into the power of referrals. Many times, you’ll find the perfect local dentist simply by asking around.

Start Your Search

Next, you’ll need to start an online search. The American Dental Association (ADA) is the first place you can look. The ADA has a search tool where you can search for dentists based on their location.

You can also search Google for a dentist near you. When you find a dental practice on Google, be sure to read the online reviews. Take it one step further and see how the dental practice responds to positive and negative reviews.

Next, visit their website. You’ll often find patient testimonials on dental practice websites. Doing this will give you a good idea of what the practice is all about.

You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see their ratings, reviews, and if they’ve had many complaints.

Get Important Information

Remember, regular dental visits are vital to keeping your dental health in good shape. The local dentist you choose must fit your lifestyle and dental health needs.

So, you’ll need to go deeper in your search by finding important information, such as:

Location

Where is the dental office located? Can you access it easily from home or work? It’s essential to make sure the dentist you choose has a convenient location.

This will ensure you don’t skip dental visits because you can’t get to the office quickly.

Office Hours

You’ll also need to look at the office hours. Are they convenient for your work schedule? Do they have weekend hours?

If you work a 9 to 5 job during the week and the dentist’s office is only open during your working hours, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance benefits, you’ll need to check on the details of your coverage. Be sure to find coverage details for cleanings, extractions, root canals, and treatments for gum disease.

Next, you’ll need to ensure the dentist you choose is in your insurance network.

Other payment options are essential if you don’t have dental coverage. You’ll need to find out if the dentist will allow payment arrangements or has a membership plan you can pay for each month.

Some dentists offer plans that allow you to have cleanings and other dental treatments at a fixed monthly price.

Finally, find out about other financing options. Many dentists take CareCredit and give you options for different types of dental financing.

Staff and Office Feel

Once you narrow down your list of the best dental offices in your area, it’s a good idea to visit these dental offices in person. You can call to schedule a consultation or ask if you can tour the office.

You can also call and ask questions if visiting isn’t an option. When you call, ask detailed questions about the practice.

If you do decide to visit, make a note of how clean the office is. Also, check out the equipment they use to see if they’re up to date with new technology.

It’s also important to see how the dental staff answers your questions. Are they patient, kind, and thorough? Are you able to ask the dentist questions and express any concerns you have?

Doing this is a step you don’t want to miss during your search. After all, you need to choose a dental practice you’re comfortable with long-term.

Find Out About the Services the Dentist Provides

You’ll also need to consider what types of dental services you need. Are you looking for preventative dentistry services only? Or, will you need some cosmetic dental procedures in the future, like dental veneers or tooth bonding?

If you’re interested in a natural approach to dental health, you might want to consider holistic dentistry. Holistic dentists look at you as a whole, not just your dental symptoms.

They’re licensed dentists who also focus on natural treatments that don’t involve fluoride or metal fillings since they can cause sensitivity. You’ll also get nutritional counseling, homeopathy advice, and help with techniques like meditation to reduce stress levels.

If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, you’ll want to find a dentist that offers orthodontic services. If you want to replace missing teeth, you’ll need to find a dentist skilled at tooth replacement procedures such as dental implants.

Overall, you’ll need to find a practice that offers a variety of different services, so you’ll be able to get all your dental needs taken care of in one place.

Choosing the Best Dentist in Your Area

Now that you know more about finding the best dentist in your area, your search will be much easier.

Remember, dental care is a personal service, so take the time you need to get to know your dentist so you can form a relationship that lasts for years to come.

To learn more health and fitness tips, be sure to visit the rest of our blog today!