How to Find a Dentist in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Dental Society states that the "key to good oral health is to prevent problems in the first place." An important part of preventing dental problems is visiting a dentist twice a year. If you don't have a regular dentist in Massachusetts and want to find one, use the following tips to help make your search a success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact the Massachusetts Dental Society at [phone] and ask for a list of dental professionals in your area.
2. Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations. Ask what they like about their dentists and the office.
3. Schedule a consultation. Question the dentist and staff about how dental emergencies are handled, types of procedures that can be completed in-office, their commitment to continuing dental education and membership in professional associations.
4. Set up an appointment for a general exam. This typically consists of a cleaning, x-rays and medical health history.
5. Observe the atmosphere in the office during your visit. Dental offices should be clean and orderly; the dental team should be friendly, professional and considerate of your comfort and time. Staff should also provide information about pricing and payment plans before treatment is scheduled.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider interviewing several dentists prior to making a selection.
• Massachusetts residents in need of charitable or low-cost dental care can contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Oral Health at [phone] for assistance. Or call a Massachusetts dental college, including Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine at [phone], Harvard University School of Dental Medicine at [phone] or Tufts University School of Dental Medicine at [phone].