Regular checkups with a dental specialist are an essential part of oral care. Dental care is a personal service and you may want a relationship that can last for years. But how do you find a dentist when you’ve moved to a new place or are just in need of a new tooth doctor?
While visits to the dentist can make some people feel uneasy, following a few steps to find the right dentist can make all the difference. One of the keys to a good patient/dentist relationship is finding a dentist that you can trust with your oral health. If you are someone who wants teeth that look great and feel great, this guide can help you make an informed decision about choosing a dentist no matter where you are.
If you have recently moved or are looking for a new dentist for any other reason, there are a few steps to take.
Ask for recommendations
Ask friends, family, or co-workers if they recommend any of their dentists. You can also ask your doctor as members of the medical community will often know other health care professionals.
Call or visit
After you have received a few recommendations, it may be a good idea to call or visit a few of the dental practices to see if you may be a good fit for one another. Consider if they will take your dental insurance.
Visiting a dental office
When you visit a new dental clinic, take a checklist and get answers to a few questions. First impressions matter a lot. The moment you step in the office, you will notice if it looks out-dated or stuffy and cramped. Take a look around the office. Is it clean and orderly? Does the equipment appear up to date and clean? Your smile may benefit from the latest technology.
Ambience and aesthetics are nice but the staff is a unique part of a dental practice. Take note of the people working at the dental office. They should enjoy being around others and love giving great service. Were they able to answer your questions in a courteous manner? Check that the staff is wearing the appropriate protective gear. Many people feel good about going to a dental practice where they are greeted by smiling staff members at the front desk when they arrive for an appointment.
Before agreeing to sit in the examination chair, there are a few questions that you can ask to help determine if you’ve found a dental practice that is right for you.
How do you know if you’ve found a good dentist?
A dentist’s competence comes as the result of a combination of education, on-going professional training and teaching, and experience. You may want to investigate what kind of experience the dentist has and what others say about him or her. Check for online reviews or any community involvement that the dentist may have.
Make sure your dentist has a friendly chair-side manner and ensures your care is gentle yet thorough. Think about how the dentist may handle the situation if you have a challenging dental situation. A great dentist with a successful dental practice will have great clinical skills as well as the stellar social skills required to work with people.
Does the dentist offer the services you need?
While all dental offices will offer examinations, cleanings, and care for cavities, not all dental practices will offer every service that you may need.
Are you looking for a family dentist? You’ll need to ensure that the practice offers children’s dentistry. If you need bridges or implants you may be referred to another office to have your dental work completed.
Some services that may not be as common include:
- Cosmetic dentistry services
- Teeth whitening
- Computer simulation technology to “preview” a new smile
- Cosmetic consultations for challenging situations
- Bad breath evaluation and treatment
- Advanced 3D X-rays
- Dental implant therapy
- Gum therapy
- Customized cosmetic dentures
If you want a one-stop-shop so you won’t be sent around to multiple offices for dental care, you may want to consider full-service dental care centers.
There is far more involved in finding the right dentist for your needs than price shopping for different dental services. For great care from qualified dentists in Klamath Falls, schedule an appointment with Klamath Smiles or call our office today for more information.