If you have moved recently, you are most likely in the market for a new dentist. That’s not the only reason people are finding a new dentist though. Sometimes the dentist you currently go to is not a good fit and you are looking for a new one. Finding a great dentist can be a bit of research. You ultimately want to go see the same one for many years so you feel comfortable with them and so they start remembering your specific mouth and any issues you may be experiencing. That is why it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research before looking for a good dentist.
That is why the experts at dentist in Lake Oswego are here to show you how to find and choose a great dentist. Keep reading to learn more.
First, if you are new to a town you may not know many people to ask for recommendations, and that is why it’s a good idea to head online. Online will not only give you a list of dentists in the area but it will also give you reviews. Reviews are so important because they are people just like you that share their experience online. Make sure to not just look at the overall rating but to read some of the good (and bad) reviews about different dentists. Try making a list at the beginning of possible dentists you would like to see. If you see a dentist will terrible reviews or there is something you don’t like about them, you can quickly scratch them off the list and not waste more time in researching about them. Try checking sites such as a dentists Facebook page, their Yelp page, Google, and the Better Business Bureau in order to find current reviews. This will really help you in starting to narrow down your search.
If you do know people in the city you can always ask around. Try and make sure it is people that are close to your home or to your work, so it is not too far out of the way for you. Asking recommendations from people you trust is an easy way to find out who is a good dentist and who is not so good. Make sure you ask your friends or family members why they liked that specific dentist. If you need to see someone specific such as an expert in a particular field, they may not be as helpful because that dentist may not specialize in that.
If you are moving and you were happy with your dentist, try and ask your current dentist if they have any recommendations in the area you are moving to. Many times, dentists’ network with each other. This is especially true if you are moving somewhere somewhat close. If you are just moving to the other side of town but don’t want to make the commute to your old dentist, ask them if they have a referral for you. This is an easy way to find a dentist that is similar to your old dentist but in the new area that you live in.
The next recommendation for finding a new dentist is to keep other factors into consideration. We already slightly touched on these factors earlier. The first is the location. You are not going to want to book a dentist appointment when the dentist is across town. This will cause you not to book an appointment or make it harder because you know you have a small window during a lunch break or before work, try and keep location into consideration. The other part to remember is any specialties. If you need a specific machine or your past dentist has recommended you look into a specific procedure, find out if the new dentist is able to do that. That will prevent you from needing to go to multiple dentists and search for a second trustworthy dental office.
The next idea for choosing a dentist is to go to a couple different dentists you are interested in choosing. Once you finish making notes and have narrowed it down to a couple dentist, call and ask if you can stop by to walk around the office. Most offices have no problem with you doing so. This is perfect so you can ask any additional questions like payment questions and insurance questions with the secretary. Make sure you ask any questions you have and you can even take notes again so you don’t forget any of the answers. For example, if you need your teeth cleaned as soon as possible, ask when their next available appointment is. If they are booked for a couple of months, you may want to choose a different dentist. You can also ask them about payment plans or any larger procedures you may need down the road. You can always see what your gut is telling you about the location. Once you have walked around a couple of offices you will be ready to make your final decision.
As you can see, it’s important to look around and do your homework before choosing your dentist. Since you will be going to the dentist twice per year for many years, you want to find a dentist you feel comfortable with and who you know will do an excellent job on your teeth.
For more information on choosing a dentist or to speak with our office about booking an appointment, contact us today.
