Before You Start
First, you should make a list of questions you’re going to ask each local dentist you interview. After all, you’re hopefully going to be entering into a long-term relationship with this person, so now’s the time to ask about anything you can think of. Here are a few questions to get you started:
•Office Hours: It may seem obvious, but make sure the local dentist is open at times that are convenient for you, especially if you work at a job where you can’t easily take time off.
•Emergencies: How do they handle emergency situations? Some local dentists are available after hours, while others use a referral service.
•Anesthesia: Inevitably, you’re going to need to undergo a procedure that requires that you’re given some sort of anesthesia. What types of anesthesia is the local dentist certified to give? Does the local dentist administer other types of sedatives besides local anesthesia?
•Prevention: Does the local dentist strongly believe in heading off dental problems before they start?
•Cost: Ask the local dentist to estimate the cost of common procedures like filling in a cavity or taking a dental X-ray. Are their discounts for preventative and diagnostic procedures?
•Insurance: Last but not least, does the local dentist participate in your dental plan? If not, and you are otherwise very impressed with the practice, which dental or discount plans do they subscribe to?
Where to Look
Ok, so you’re ready to find a local dentist near you. Where do you turn?
•Referral: If you’re moving, ask your current local dentist if they know of any reputable practices in your new neighborhood. If you’ve been seeing this local dentist for a while, they know the most about your unique situation, so they are particularly qualified to give you a quality referral.
•Internet: The easiest way to quickly find a local dentist near you is to utilize one of the many internet portals, such as Freelocal dentistFinder.com. You simply enter your zip code, along with the dental specialties you’re looking for, and the site does the rest. Most internet sites allow you to search for a local dentist based on the insurance plans they accept, which will make it easier for you to make a determination as to which local dentist best suits your needs. Since reputable dental search sites regularly verify their listings, you need not worry that the information will be out of date.
•Friends and Family: Another place to turn is to any friends, family, neighbors or co-workers that you trust. More than likely, one of them is a regular visitor to a high-quality local dentist near you.
•Dental School Clinic: If you’re looking for a low-cost local dentist, often the best place to try is a local dental school, especially if it’s affiliated with a major college or university. These institutions typically charge much less than a normal dental clinic, often only asking you to cover the cost of the materials used in the procedure.
Once you find a local dentist, either online or by word of mouth, it’s important to take a tour of the offices. Are they clean and well maintained? Does the staff seem helpful? Are the local dentists and hygienists wearing appropriate equipment such as gloves and other protective gear?
In the end, the most important question to consider when you’re trying to find a local dentist is that of comfort. Are you comfortable with this local dentist? Can you imagine being there for as long as you’re in the area? The answer to that question alone will determine which local dentist is right for you.