How to Find the Best New Dentist For You

Switching dental offices and finding a new dentist can be a difficult process. From weighing a place’s hours and accepted insurances to their specialities and capabilities, there’s a lot to think about. Ensure you’re making the right choice about a new practice by looking for certain provider qualities, asking the right questions, and considering your unique care needs.

Qualities to Look For in a New Dentist

 It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a new dentist, but considering an office’s qualities that matter the most to you can help narrow down your choices. Consider asking yourself the following questions about local dental offices as you decide:

• Are they accepting new patients? This is the first question you should ask. If a dental office does not have availability for new patients, they can be taken off your list.
• What technology do they use? Not all dental offices use the same equipment and technology, so if you have a preference on certain loupes, lights, and more, look into what a practice offers ahead of time.
• Do they take my insurance? Accepted insurance providers can vary based on the dental office, so ensure that they are an in-network dentist (which will be listed on an office’s website) before you book an appointment.
• What have others said about their practice? Reading a practice’s reviews is always an important step in deciding whether or not you want to make an appointment. Personal recommendations from friends and family are always helpful in finding a reliable dentist, or online testimonials can give you insight into an office’s performance.
• Do they offer same-day or emergency appointments? If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation and need to make a last minute appointment, it’s important to know that your office can accommodate that for your peace of mind.
• Are they a family dentist or a general dentist? If you have children, it can be important to seek out a general dentist who will see the whole family. Most general dentists who see families offer convenient block scheduling for families so everyone can be treated in the same visit.
• Do their hours work with my schedule? It’s important to know whether or not a dentist’s openings work with your personal time commitments. Ensure you can fit dental appointments within an office’s hours into your day before committing to a provider.

What to Tell Your Dentist at Your First Visit

When you visit a new dentist for the first time, there are a few things you and your provider should discuss to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience. The first thing any new dentist should know is your health history.  Past dental procedures, experiences with certain treatments, use of retainers or braces, and previous oral injuries contribute to a dentist’s understanding of your care.

You should also mention any personal preferences or expectations for your care. If you have past dental trauma, outlining your triggers and what you’re uncomfortable with will help your dentist better deliver treatment. If there are specific things you want looked at or given extra attention during appointments, bring those up so your dentist knows how to provide the care and information you need.

How to Know if Your Dentist is a Good Fit for You

What makes a good dentist? Truthfully, there’s no one right answer. To know whether or not a dentist is a good fit, the most important thing to consider is your own comfort. You should feel at ease not only when interacting with your dentist or hygienist, but when you enter the office, are discussing concerns, and are receiving treatment. Having trust in your dentist and the practice as a whole is the key to having a positive experience.

There’s a considerable amount of trust involved when it comes to visiting the dentist. You’re putting your oral health in someone else’s hands, so it’s important to know that you’re receiving the best care possible. At Cajon Dental, we try to make the new patient experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. For additional insight on how to pick the best dentist for your needs, reach out – we’re here to help.