Getting regular dental exams is an important aspect of your health and wellness. However, finding the perfect dentist for you or your family can be slightly challenging. Despite the challenges, you absolutely need to have great oral health, because it can boost your overall health.

“Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.”

In fact, research has found oral hygiene is associated with heart disease. This alone is a big factor in finding the perfect dentist, since heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect dentist, the following can serve as your guide to what key questions to ask, and potential resources for referrals. Let’s dive in!

How To Find A Dentist For You And Your Family

Finding a dentist can be as simple as asking the right people, or doing your due diligence via online search. The first way to find the perfect dentist is to ask family, friends, and even coworkers.

This can take a lot of legwork out of the process. Chances are your friends, family, and coworkers have great dentists. Your coworkers are extra beneficial in this area, since you share the same health insurance coverage.

If changing locations for a job, and parting ways with your current dentist, he or she can possibly give you a few names in the area where you are moving. This can be a great way to ease right into a new dentist’s chair with little work.

Lastly, you can find the perfect dentist by accessing the American Dental Association (ADA) site online. It is a great way to quickly find dental offices in your area, and you can get plenty of information on finding and vetting a new dentist.

Asking The Right Questions Is Important

Once you have a nice robust list of potential dentist candidates, it is time to vet them to ensure you short-list the most professional and ones that meet your unique criteria.

A few questions and considerations include:

  • Will you be able to use your dental insurance?
  • How far away is the dental office?
  • What are their scheduling demands (availability)?
  • What is the dental offices emergency dental plan?
  • What are their average costs for primary procedures?
  • Do you get charged for missed appointments (what is the cancelation policy)?

The above questions are important, and doing a bit of interviewing can have value in the long run. Remember, you are the customer, so be sure to find the perfect dentist to help meet your unique needs.

For instance, Truedent Family Dentistry in Miami explained, “We take the time to explain all of the options available according to your particular circumstances and we’ll let you know what you can expect in terms of results.”

4 Point Checklist For Your Dental Search

1. Get Referrals

The first point on your dental search checklist is to start gathering referrals from family, friends, and coworkers. As explained above, this will give you a robust list to begin vetting dentists.

2. Check Online Ratings and Reviews

This is the first part of the vetting process. Before you begin calling dentists, start your vetting process online by checking reviews and ratings. This will shorten your list of candidates significantly.

3. Be Conscious of Your Needs

Next, ensure to keep your unique dental needs at the forefront when choosing a dentist. This could be better availability, insurance coverage, or family dentistry if you have a large family.

For example, if you have problems with sensitivity, you can get rid of sensitive teeth with the dentist in sarasota FL.

4. Do Some Dental Office Rounds

A lot can be said about a dentist just by visiting their office and having a look around. Is the office clean? Is it inviting? Is it modern? These are all very important questions to consider when choosing the perfect dentist.

Wrapping Up . . .

Finding the perfect dentist does not always need to be challenging. With a bit of due diligence and some great referrals from friends, family, coworkers, and even your current dentist can help speed up the process.

Always think about your needs when it comes to finding a dental office. This can help guide you in your decision and also bring a lot of very important questions to the surface.

Your oral health is vital! As research has shown, the health of your teeth and gums can impact your overall health and wellness significantly. How did you find your dentist?