How to Choose the Right Dentist

posted by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 8/29/2022 in General

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is vital for your oral health. But what if you’ve never been to the dentist? Or you recently moved and need to find a new one?

Finding a new dentist can be a hassle. There are so many things to consider from insurance and office hours to how you interact with the staff. Luckily, we’ve simplified your dentist search with five easy tips.

5 Tips for Finding the Right Dentist

Don’t put off your first visit or emergency procedure any longer; discover how you can choose the perfect dentist for your needs.

1. Ask Friends, Family and Co-Workers  

One of the most popular ways to find a new dentist is to ask friends, family, and co-workers if they’d recommend their dentist. People are usually happy to share how much they like or dislike their experience. Here’s a cheat sheet of dentist-related questions to ask your friends and family: 

• What kind of insurance does your dentist accept?
• What type of dental services does the dentist provide?
• What days and hours is the dental office open?
• Is the dentist friendly and patient?
• Are you comfortable at the dentist when getting cleanings and procedures?
• Is the dental staff caring and considerate?

These sorts of questions get you first-hand experience from a trusted source you can’t get anywhere else.

2. Check Reviews 

Once you have referrals from your social circle, head to Google or Yelp to check out the office’s  star rating and current patient feedback. Comments like: “I’m not afraid to go to the dentist anymore” or “my dentist gave me cost-effective options for my treatment” are good indicators of a dentist's friendliness and ethical business practices. 

3. Confirm Credentials

It’s important to know a dentist is well-qualified and experienced in providing high-quality dental services. You can call their office to ask about a dentist’s credentials. It’s also vital a dentist continues to keep their credentials up-to-date by attending conferences, webinars, and classes. This makes it more likely a dentist will use current and more effective techniques to treat patients. 

4. Ask About Dental Equipment  

In addition to keeping their medical knowledge current, a dentist should be using current equipment. If your friends mention their dentist is using technology from the 1980s, that’s a red flag. Older equipment can be potentially harmful or unnecessarily lengthen a procedure. You can ask the dental staff what type of equipment their office uses and how often that technology is upgraded or maintained. 

5. Trust Your Intuition

At the end of the day, even with all your research, your intuition will have the final say. Trust your gut. When you speak with dental staff members do they make you feel at ease? Do your friends seem happy when speaking about their dentist? If something seems off, don’t make an appointment. After all, choosing a new dentist is an important choice for your health that should not be taken lightly. 

Schedule an Appointment with a Kimball & Beecher Dentist 

If you’re looking for a new dentist in Iowa, the friendly and knowledgeable Kimball & Beecher dentists are some of the best you’ll find. Our doctors and staff are well-qualified, highly trained, and provide a wide range of dental services to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.