How To Find The Right Dentist For Me?

Whether you are moving to a new area and choosing a dentist for the very first time, or if you are looking to switch practice to a new dental professional, it can be a little daunting trying to decide which dentist to choose. After all, there’s no guarantee that they all offer the same services or the same level of care.

Fortunately, there are some things that you can look at to help ensure that your dentist is the right fit for you. Here are some of the things that you should consider when choosing a dentist.

Can Anyone You Know Recommend a Good Dentist?

One of the best places to start with finding any sort of medical or dental professional is with recommendations from other people you may know in the area. Ask friends, colleagues, or family members who they use and if they would recommend them. At the very least, you might even get a good idea of which dentists to avoid and why!

Check Out Their Reviews

You should always spend a little time checking out the reviews of any prospective dentist. Be mindful that they have full control over the reviews on their own website, so they may not be a true reflection of their overall service. Try and look for impartial reviews on search engines such as Google for a more balanced view of how they treat their patients and what care they provide.

Do They Offer The Services You Need?

While most dentists offer the same core services, if you need any sort of specialized treatment, you may find that only a handful of professionals in your area, or perhaps even less, offer what you need. For example, if you need disabled access, deep sedation, or a certain brand of orthodontic treatment, like ClearCorrectÔ, you’ll need to check that these are offered before you commit to a dentist.

Are Their Offices In a Convenient Location?

Most people want the convenience of being able to get to and from their dentist’s office fairly easily. If you don’t drive, you’ll need to check that you can get there fairly easily either walking or using public transport. If you drive, check out the parking situation too. Many practices have more than one location, so it’s worth asking if this is the case as there may be an alternative site that is more convenient for you.

Do Their Opening Hours Work For You?

If you work unusual hours and are likely to need your routine appointments during the evenings or weekends, it’s important that your dentist can accommodate this – otherwise, you could end up going a long time between visits and this could be a disaster for your dental health.

Schedule a Visit

The best way to get a feel for the care and attention provided by any dentist is to schedule an appointment for a check-up and cleaning. You can view the practice, meet some of the staff, assess the cleanliness of the office, and ask any questions that you may have. You’ll also find out first-hand how they talk to patients and how willing they are to explain what they are doing and why. The right dentist for you will do everything possible to make you feel calm and comfortable in their care.

For more advice on how to find the right dentist, speak to our dedicated dental team at Cal Oaks Dental in Murrieta, CA at (951) 501-4900 today to schedule an appointment.