How to Find Out a Dentist's Credentials

Sterile premises are intregal in choosing the right dentist for you.

Although clean, white teeth are a compliment to a smile or pretty face, dental hygiene goes beyond aesthetics. It's important to maintain regular dental care in order to prevent tooth decay and the possibility of serious infection. Dental hygienists are highly educated, highly trained and highly regarded professionals in the health care industry, but it is important to find the right one for you in order to ensure long-lasting, comfortable and trustworthy dental care.

Instructions

How To Check A Dentist's Credentials

1. Find a list of dentists who are local or otherwise recommended to you. Contact the office of each dentist and inquire about the dentists career and education. Consider important information such as school the dentist attended, appropriate accreditation If and if there are other awards or acknowledgments the dentist has received.

2. Verify that the information you've received is correct. Several websites offer certification verification at no charge; try The American Medical Association or The American Board of Medical Specialties and see if your dentist is listed. Another valuable tool is the credential check for LexisNexis, which requires sign-up but is a reliable, thorough search.

3. Meet the dentists. Among the dentists you've researched who seem upstanding so far, contact them for meet and greets or even a basic cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel embarrassed or rude by asking for further credentials on your dentist; this is a worthwhile act based on safety and comfort, and such requests should be taken seriously by all individuals involved.

References

• Quackwatch: Physician Credentials: How Can I Check Them?

Resources

• Healthcare Credentials Report
• The American Medical Association
• The American Board of Medical Specialties