Finding the dentist who is right for you is key to establishing and preserving excellent oral health. It's a mistake to pick a practitioner out of the phone book or choose one solely based on insurance coverage. The search for the right dentist might take some time and some effort. But the results—better health and progress toward the perfect smile—make it all worthwhile.
The best way to find a reputable, good dentist is by referral from a friend or family member. If you're seeking a specialist, try your local dentist directory for the best fit.
But what if you don't have a regular dentist? Perhaps you've moved recently to a new neighborhood, your prior practitioner has retired, or like many people, you've simply put off going to the family dentist for so long that you realize you don't have a dentist.
Of course, it's possible that you don't fall into any of these categories. It's conceivable that you have a skilled dentist committed to his or her patients and that you are delighted with the quality of care he or she provides. Of course, in that case, don't recommend that you blithely switch practitioners simply for the sake of change.
Whether you're satisfied with your current dentist, reading this article should raise some interesting questions for you to consider. You may realize that your current family dentist is the best choice for you. Conversely, you might decide it's time to do some research and find the dentist who's best equipped to help you with your present needs.
It's important to mention that individual preferences play a large part in what is, in the end, a personal choice. The dentist who has treated your neighbor for twenty years and "walks on water" as far as your neighbor is concerned might be wrong for you. It isn't necessarily a question of competence, but one of style, interpersonal dynamics, and relevance for particular health needs. Nevertheless, asking your neighbor for a referral is an ideal place to start your search. After all, a good dentist will create great word of mouth.
You might also ask for referrals from others who have steered you to a good family dentist in the past. Consider consulting coworkers, family, friends and anyone that you value their opinion and lives or works within a reasonable distance of the dentist's office.