Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Finding a Dentist
Step1
Ask trusted family members, friends and co-workers to recommend a dentist. You can also ask your family doctor to suggest a dentist.
Step2
Contact your local or state dental society for a referral. Search the Internet or look under "dentists" or "associations" in the phone book for the dental society nearest you.
Step3
Call your nearest dental school clinic.
Step4
Consult the American Dental Association's member directory.
Step5
Ask your current dentist for a referral if you are moving to a new area.
Things to Look For in a Dentist
Step1
Determine how accessible the dentist is: Is his or her office near your home or job? Is it easy to get the appointment times you need?
Step2
Survey the office to make sure it is clean and well-kept. Your dentist should wear gloves, mask and gown. Ask him or her about instrument sterilization procedures.
Step3
Look for pleasant, respectful interactions between dentist and staff.
Step4
Consult with the dentist about your dental history and problems, and decide whether you like the way he or she explains preventive measures and treatments. Do you feel comfortable sharing concerns? Are the explanations clear?
Step5
Ask about fees, payment and insurance plans. You should discuss these before treatment.
Step6
Find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care.
Step7
Ask how long the dentist has been practicing and what sorts of continuing education he or she has pursued to keep up with new developments in dentistry.
Comments
jimhockin said
on 5/25/2008 Many dentists will offer a free check-up or initial consultation. This can be a great way to experience the dentist and staff in their office with no cost or obligation to continue with treatment.
If you happen to live in the Trenton, NJ area I know of one reputable dentist - Dr. Greenfield - who has such a offer (see website page http://lawrencevilledentist.com/new-client-offer.html for details.)
jimhockin said
on 5/25/2008 Many dentists will offer a free check-up or initial consultation. This can be a great way to experience the dentist and staff in their office with no cost or obligation to continue with treatment.
If you happen to live in the Fort Lauderdale area I know of one reputable dentist - Dr. Yolanda Cintron - who have such an offer (see website page http://fortlauderdaledentistry.com/consultation.html for details.)
helen1017 said
on 11/14/2007 Additional checking of your dentist should also be done with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to make sure the dentist was not fined, on probabation and is in good standing. I came across 3 dentists from my insurance dental directory that were disciplined so that was scary...ALWAYS check out your dentists same as you would your doctor.
mikeandterri said
on 4/26/2007 Regarding the ADA, there are no requirements to being a member other than money. In fact, the ADA continues to support mercury fillings, despite the fact that most other developed countries have banned them. I don't see how making sure your dentist is a member of the ADA helps at all. Better to ask someone with nice teeth who is satisfied with their dentist.
Anonymous said
on 3/23/2006 The American Dental Association is primarily a "good old boy" political organization. That's not to say they don't do good in so far as looking out for the interests of dentists, but a better organization from a patient's standpoint is the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), which is primarily a continuing education organization. For my money I want my dentist to have the maximum amount of continuing education. Ask if your dentist is a member of the AGD and get one who is up on all the latest in dentistry.