Dental health is a critical component of overall health, so patients need to find a dentist to coordinate regular preventative care and be the go-to person for dental procedures or emergencies. There are multiple options for people who need to find a new dentist.

How to find a dentist

The process of finding a dentist generally begins with searching for dental offices in the geographic region the patient is interested in. After making a list of potential candidates, the patient can move on to evaluating how well each dentist fits the patient's criteria. These three methods can help patients narrow down their choices and find a dentist to meet their needs.

1. Online search

Gone are the days when the only way to find a local dentist was to look through the phone book. There are numerous options for finding information on dentists on the internet. Typing "dentist near me" in a search engine can provide patients with a list of dentists near the patient's location. In addition to the address, website, hours of operation, and phone number of the nearby dentists, many dental office sites have reviews from patients that can be useful in making a selection.

2. Local organizations

A local dental society can help patients find a dentist by providing a list of dentists' names in the local area. Local health departments, dental associations, or dental schools can also be a good source of information, particularly for people in search of low-cost dental care. State Medicaid or CHIP agencies can provide information for dentists who provide free or low-cost dental care through the Children's Health Insurance program.

3. Word of mouth

Friends, family, and co-workers can be good sources of information about local dentists. The benefit of asking a trusted friend or family member is that the patient can get a firsthand account of what that person liked and did not like about a particular dentist. When asking about dentists, the patient should find out about what are the available preventative care and dental emergency options, how difficult it is to get an appointment, and how helpful and knowledgeable the staff is.

How to choose a dentist

Once the patient has a list of potential dentists to choose from, it is time to call the dentist's office or visit in person. During this conversation, the patient should ask the dentist what preventative services are offered, whether emergency hours are available, which insurance and payment options are accepted and whether financing options are offered. Patients who have specific concerns about their dental care or that of their families should bring them up now to see how they may be addressed.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Phoenix, AZ

Conclusion

There are a variety of options open to patients who need to find a dentist. Internet searches, local dental associations, health departments, and word of mouth can all be useful tools. The final determination should be made by scheduling a phone or in-person consultation to assess how well various dental offices meet the patient's needs.

Request an appointment or call Dental 32 at 602-466-9906 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Related Posts

Find A Dentist For Routine Dental Procedures

Anyone who wants to maintain excellent oral health first needs to find a dentist who is experienced and trustworthy. Establishing regular dental maintenance can help prevent the need for more procedures down the road. Patients already established with a dentist can schedule appointments for routine dental procedures more quickly and easily. Although some people choose…

3 Things To Look For When Trying To Find A Dentist

Trying to find a dentist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, these three aspects of a dental office can be kept in mind to help narrow down choices. Every…

Find A Dentist For Dental Advice

Dental exams are a small part of what a dentist can offer. The in-depth knowledge of teeth and gums should be another good reason to find a dentist. Routine care and cleanings are things that impact the health of the mouth, but oral health can impact other areas of life. Dentists are trained to look…

Dental 32

Share
Published by
Dental 32

Recent Posts

Common Emergency Dentistry Mouth Trauma

Our dental practice makes the emergency dentistry process easy for our patients, and we encourage…

1 month ago

Implant Crowns: A Natural-Looking Dental Restoration

Implant crowns work only with dental implants, and they are most recommended for single teeth,…

2 months ago

General Dentist Tips for Tooth Pain

Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma.

3 months ago

What Is Dental Implant Restoration?

Regular check-up and cleaning visits every four to six months with your dentist are encouraged…

4 months ago

What Dental Issues Does Invisalign Treat?

Using custom-fit plastic trays, Invisalign® treatments are a restorative and corrective treatment for several dental…

5 months ago

3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Restorations

There are many options available for dental restorations, and it is important to be informed…

5 months ago