How to Choose a Dentist

Factors to consider when choosing a dentist

Finding the right dental practice should involve more than just choosing a name off a website or doing a quick Google search. Here are some important factors to consider.

Qualifications

Make note of your local dentists’ qualifications and specialties. See if they have won any special awards or accreditation, or if the practice has garnered special mention on local or dental review websites. You can also research dental licensing information by contacting your State Licensing Board.

Insurance

You will likely want to choose a dentist who is in-network with your company’s dental insurance plan. Make a list of local dentists that work with your insurance to help narrow your search.

Convenience

Distance and availability are significant factors when choosing a dentist. Are you willing to drive farther for better care? Do you need weekend or evening hours? Office hours and convenience to home, school, or work can make a big difference when you need to schedule appointments or deal with the occasional dental emergency.

Communication

Not only is the communication between you and your dentist important but the infrastructure to reach you in case of an emergency or to remind you about your next appointment. Ask about how the practice communicates with patients—email, phone calls, texts, all three?

Emergency care

It is important to verify the kind of emergency care available when choosing a dentist. Find out if the practice has an emergency number and ask about the average response time. As we all know, emergencies can occur anytime.

Simple Steps to Finding a New Dentist

Ask for a referral

Ask the people you trust who have a satisfactory dental health plan to refer you to their dentist. If you are new to your area, check with neighbors or other parents at your child’s school.

Ask Another Medical Professional

Do you already have a great rapport with a physician or pharmacist? They may have a great network of professionals that they can refer you to.

Check Your Insurance

As mentioned above, you will probably want to find a dental practice that is covered by your insurance. Visit your insurance provider’s website to compile a list of dentists in your area.

How to Evaluate Your First Dental Visit:

Finding and choosing the right dentist is important because maintaining good oral health is an ongoing relationship. Now you know the factors to consider when selecting a new dentist, steps to finding a new dentist.

Once you’ve visited the dentist, here are three questions to ask to help you evaluate your experience:

•       Were the dentist, hygienists, and office staff friendly with you?
•       Were they able to provide you clear information about appointments, fee structure and insurance, emergency care and other dental benefits?
•       Were all your dental concerns addressed?

If you’ve been able to answer these questions to your satisfaction, congratulations! You have a new dentist!

Apple Valley Dental Group provides high quality dental care in the Shenandoah Valley area for patients of all ages. We encourage you to visit our office and experience the exceptional dental work that we are pleased to provide our clients. Give us a call at 540-635-2493 to schedule your appointment today!