How to Find a Dentist

You can find a quality dentist by following these guidelines, taken from the American Dental Association's recommendations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone Books
• Phone Books
• Telephones
• Internet Access

Finding a Dentist

1. Ask trusted family members, friends and co-workers to recommend a dentist. You can also ask your family doctor to suggest a dentist.

2. 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.

3. Call your nearest dental school clinic.

4. Consult the American Dental Association's member directory.

5. Ask your current dentist for a referral if you are moving to a new area.

Things to Look For in a Dentist

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. Look for pleasant, respectful interactions between dentist and staff.

9. 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?

10. Ask about fees, payment and insurance plans. You should discuss these before treatment.

11. Find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care.

12. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your dentist is a member of the American Dental Association.

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[sherryeam]

on 3/21/2009 Thanks, we have to find a new dentist our wonderful family dentist moved. It's so hard to find a new one.

[dental12]

on 10/20/2008 Whether you’re moving to a new area, or just want to find a new dentist, these tips can help make the process of finding a good dentist less difficult.

If you are moving to a new location, check with your current dentist to see if he/she can give you a referral for a dentist in the area where you will be relocating.

If you are looking for a new dentist in your current area, good sources to ask for referrals are:
Family members,Friends,Co workers, Church members, Your physician, Your pharmacist, Neighbors

[CrystalAnn]

on 9/2/2008 Trish, i found a similar site to the one you listed. You can also get dentist reviews and dental procedure pricing at http://smarthealthbuyer.com . Helen, that is really scary that three of your dentists were not credentialed, thats just crazy

[chaith]

on 8/30/2008 hello guys,I've got a cavity started in 2 of my teeth.I'm scared to see a dentist for how much he whould charge and all.I live in Houston,Texas. Can any one please tell me a good/low price Dentist in Houston

[TrishK]

on 8/4/2008 I agree with Jim. There are a good amount of dentist out there that will give you a free checkup, or one at a minimal costs. http://www.dentalpricecompare.com has dentist reviews to help with your decision. You just have to type in your zip code