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How to Find a Good Dentist

Finding a new dental office can be a pivotal decision, whether you’re new to an area, switching from a previous dentist, or embarking on your own for the first time. It’s a choice that affects not just your oral health but also your overall well-being.  

Fortunately, finding a new dentist like Hudec Dental doesn’t have to be daunting.   

When choosing a dentist, know what you’re looking for

Your goal is to find a dentist that you are comfortable communicating with and will trust. After all, your dentist should be part of your long-term healthcare team.   

Make sure you choose a professional who can meet your specific needs. For example, you may only need general dentistry because you have great oral hygiene and no existing dental concerns. Or you could have pre-existing conditions such as TMJ that requires a bit more specialized approach.   

In addition to expertise, consider location. Is the office near your home or work? Are you willing to drive a bit farther to see someone you trust? Do they offer weekend or evening hours to fit your hectic schedule? Do they accept your dental insurance? Are they part of your network plan?  

 These are all vital considerations that will help you choose the dentist that’s best for you. 

How to find the best dentist: Do your homework

Now that you know what you are looking for, a great place to start is by asking friends, family and coworkers for referrals. A dentist recommendation from someone who loves their dentist is priceless. Ask your healthcare provider or your local pharmacist, too. Not only will they let you know about their dentist, but their connection to the medical community can also widen your search.  

 Once you have a handful of dentist names, you can start your deeper-dive research. Here are some research steps you can take:  

  • Get to know the education, reputation and experience of each dentist. Compare and contrast the elements that are most important to you. Perhaps it’s philosophy, or where the dentist went to college. Or do the dentist’s years of experience matter more to you? You decide. 
  • Check out each dentist’s website or find a trusted online review platform to look for highly rated dentists in your area. Take a close look at any low ratings to understand the complaint. 
  • Read patient reviews carefully and remember every person’s dental health needs and experiences are different. A “bad” experience listed by one reviewer might have been a simple clerical misunderstanding.  

Another trustworthy research tool is the American Dental Association’s Find-A-Dentist tool, where you can search by name, location and specialty. You can also call them at 800-621-8099 or email at findadentist@ada.org.  

How to get a dentist appointment

Before scheduling your first dental appointment, it might be a good idea to visit the office in person, if you can. Call ahead and schedule a consultation with the dentist or arrange to take a tour of the offices.  

During your visit, take special note of the office’s cleanliness and age of equipment. Was the space clean and orderly? Is the equipment state-of-the-art technology? Additionally note, did the staff courteously answer your questions? Were they friendly and helpful? These all will be important factors in determining your overall dental experience.  

Once you are comfortable with what you see in person, it’s time to become a new dental patient by filling out the required medical history and background paperwork. Office personnel should be able to guide you through the process.  

Once that’s complete, you can schedule your first appointment. Your dentist should provide convenient ways to do this such as by phone, email or online scheduling. For example, at Hudec, you can either call to schedule an appointment or fill out an online form and have a representative call you.  

What to expect on your first visit

On the day of your appointment, arrive early to complete any additional paperwork needed. Arriving early, and not being rushed, may also put you at ease. Bring your previous dental records with you or have them transferred beforehand if applicable.  

If your appointment is a routine visit, depending on your age and health, you’ll most likely sit with a dental hygienist for an oral exam of your teeth and gums, X-rays and teeth cleaning/polishing. Afterward, your dentist will review with you how things are going and if any next steps or procedures are needed.   

At Hudec, we’ll make your first appointment as comfortable as possible. Afterall, your dentist should be both a coach that motivates you (think “floss every day”!) and a trusted advisor to turn to when an issue arises.  

Communication and care

During your first visit, make sure to communicate openly and honestly with your hygienist and dentist. Mention pain, discomfort or anything out of the ordinary you are experiencing.  

There are also a handful of questions and dental advice you can ask your healthcare team, such as:   

  • How can we improve my oral health?   
  • How is my current dental health?   
  • In what ways can I optimize my health through diet and hygiene?  

Keep in mind that communication is not a one-way street. At Hudec, we strive to explain all procedures clearly and concisely to make you more confident and comfortable with our processes and procedures.  

Ask about payment options

Finally, make sure you are aware of the office’s payment options, whether that’s insurance coverage, payment plans or interest-free financing through a third-party service, like CareCredit, discounts on certain procedures and more.  

For example, Hudec is a preferred provider for many insurance companies. We go the extra mile to contact your insurance company directly to verify your coverage and provide you with accurate insurance estimates before your visit.  

In conclusion, locating a reputable dentist for the first time need not be a daunting task. Seek recommendations, conduct thorough research, and communicate openly with the staff to ensure years of satisfaction with your oral health provider.