How to Find a Great Dentist
February 8, 2008 by Marcie
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I have had a few lousy dentists in my day and I know that my mother and father STILL go to one (and I feel for them, really). Finding a good dentist is a godsend. But how do you find one, other than trying one on for size?
I have some interesting dental issues myself and I need to find the perfect fit…bruxism, headaches, etc. I need a specialist who really knows what he/she is doing when it comes to night guards and trust me, it is hard to find. And, I want to take my entire family to one place. I don’t want to run all around. So, some questions to ask when I am looking for a new dentist:
1. Find some possible dentists to interview by asking yourself these questions:
- What kind of dentist do you need?
o General dentist – ideal for most patients
o Pediatric dentist – for children and teens
o Orthodontist – for straightening teeth
o Periodontal dentist – for gum and mouth tissue care
o Prosthodontic dentist – for full mouth rehabilitation
2. Call the dentists you are considering and ask questions:
- What services are offered in the office? Children’s?
- How do you handle emergencies? Are they open on Saturday?
- What about fees? If you have insurance, ask whether the office accepts it.
- Is dental education included? Some dentists focus on preventive care to head off future dental problems.
Dr. John Bond, DDS, is founder and CEO of 6 Day Dental & Orthodontics.
