How to Find a Local Dentist

It's important to find a good dentist. A dentist who will go out of his/her way to make you feel more comfortable. The dentist has always been my arch nemesis, even when I was a young buck. So, this list was created for people who would feel more comfortable knowing who the guy was that's putting a drill inside their mouth.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer w/ Internet Access
• A Trusted Local Pharmacist or Physician
• Cell Phone, I'd say telephone... but who'd listen?
• Yellow Pages
• A Fear of the Dentist

1. 
   Ask

   Start by asking a few close friends or maybe even some co-workers if they know of any great dentists in your area. If they are of no help, call a trusted pharmacist or your physician and ask for a recommendation. Surely the will have something positive for you.

2. 
   ADA

   Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) web-site, and click on the "Find a Dentist" navigation link at the top of the home page. Be sure to visit the member directory page for further research opportunities.

3. 
   Harvard

   If you still aren't satisfied with your results, or just want to make sure your making the right descision. Call the nearest Dental School, surely you will find a professional recommendation.

4. 

   Perhaps your not a web savvy researcher, instead why not pick up the local phone book and search the yellow pages?

5. 
   Smile

   After rounding up a list of three or four dentist you approve of, go ahead and set appointments with each other them. Just an initial "get to know each other" meeting. Quick, full of questions and to the point. This is very important, while credentials go a long way, a personality will put you at ease. Smile, now you can relax knowing you've found a reliable dentist.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient, especially if your new to the area.
• Look for plaques (no pun intended) on the wall in the lobby of the dentist's office.
• Find out weather or not your dentist provides emergency, after-hours care.
• Look for a friendly, clean, and professional environment.
• Look for something that's as close to home as possible, just in case of an emergency.
• Don't get conned into a specific office, credentials come before anything.

Resources

• American Dental Association