As you establish yourself in a new location and plan for your and your family’s general and medical needs, keep in mind that your general dentist will play an important role over the long term, and make sure to consider factors that are important to you as you make your choices. A general dentist can be expected to stay updated with your medical and dental history over time, monitoring your dental health and providing education and dental services like cavity fillings and cleanings. General dentists can also provide certain restorative dentistry services and may be available for emergency procedures when needed. If you have connected with a general dentist and they refer you to a specialist for your procedure, ask if they regularly work with someone they can recommend. Dental specialists are helpful when there are situations or conditions a general dentist can’t treat, or if you’re looking for a dentist for a child, especially a child who is anxious or nervous about seeing the dentist; in this case, a pediatric dentist might be recommended. Any reputable dentist knows when to refer and when to take on a case themselves, based on their own qualifications and the clinical and personal needs of the patient.
It might take a little research to learn more about dentists that could be a good fit for you, but it’s important to find that good fit when you consider you’ll be seeing your dentist regularly and getting to know them more over time. Asking friends and family for a recommendation can be a great way to find a dentist; these people close to you can provide first-hand information about different dentists near you and are familiar with their pros and cons. If you’re considering working with a certain dentist, make sure that dentist is a member of the American Dental Association, which will indicate that they’re held to a higher standard of care; you might also review area lists of ADA dentists if you’re coming up short with recommendations. If you haven’t met the dentist or dentists you’re reviewing, schedule a consultation with each dentist. Booking a new-patient appointment allows patients to get to know the prospective dentist and ask any questions that are important to them, and many dentists offer these initial consultations for free or at a reduced cost.
You might also evaluate your dentist at a routine checkup and cleaning. This type of appointment allows patients to observe the performance of the dentist’s office staff and assistants as well as the dentist and provides a setting for you to converse with the dentist from a patient perspective. Pay attention to the dentist’s chairside manner and whether it makes you feel comfortable, and note your comfort level in the office itself. Does the office meet your standards for cleanliness and order? Does it seem that the dentist and their staff listen to you and address your questions honestly and respectfully? These are just a couple of the questions patients might ask as they evaluate dentists and look for the one who’s right for them. As you’re doing your own research, make a note of questions that might be important to you and your needs, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. Ideally, you and your dentist will work together for many years, and they will get to know you as a patient, including your habits and your dental and medical history, very well. It’s up to you to make sure you have the information you need before you establish this relationship with your dentist; it might take some work, but the research is well worth it.
