With so many variables to consider, choosing a new dentist can be a little overwhelming. But the good news is that finding a skilled and caring dental team to safeguard your smile doesn’t have to be stressful when you know what to look for. Here are a few suggestions to help narrow your focus and choose the right dentist to protect your gorgeous grin!
Which Treatment(s) Do You Need?
If you’re only in need of a regular checkup and cleaning, finding a qualified dentist should be relatively easy. However, if you have special circumstances like gum disease, missing teeth, or are experiencing a painful dental emergency, it’s important that you make sure that your new dentist not offers that treatment, but also that they are comfortable performing it.
Does The Dentist Get Good Reviews?
While a dentist’s website is designed to showcase their skills and services in the best light possible, independent reviews can help you dig a little deeper into things like their bedside manner. For that, I recommend checking popular sites like Google, Yelp, Zocdoc, and Reddit (provided the dentist is mentioned there). If their reviews are consistently favorable, then you can rest assured that they’re likely a good choice; however, if they vary wildly or are overwhelmingly negative, it may be best to choose someone else.
What Kind of Technology Do They Use?
While fancy technology may make a dental practice seem worth a higher price tag, the truth is that unless the dentist knows how to use it to make your treatment more effective and comfortable, all those bells and whistles won’t matter much.
For dentists who provide treatments like dental implants where every millimeter counts, CBCT scanners, for example, can give them a more precise picture of your oral cavity and improve your odds of the procedure being a success. Thus, finding someone who has beneficial technology and uses it to improve their quality of care is an important plus when selecting a new dentist.
What Are the Dentist’s Credentials?
Dentists’ credentials may not mean a whole lot to someone who doesn’t understand their importance. Your dentist may have many qualifications or additional certifications that, while important to your overall care, may not tell someone outside of the dental field what they’re capable of. If you discover any credentials that you aren’t familiar with, a quick google search can help define them. You can also look out for the following mentions in the dentist’s biography:
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry – This organizationprovides advanced training in dental implant treatments.
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – While cosmetic dentistry isn’t considered a specialty field, dentists who are members of this highly-esteemed organization are likely a good choice when looking for aesthetic upgrades like veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding.
- Continuing Education Centers – After graduation, many dentists choose to continue their education and stay current on new techniques and treatments by attending classes through prestigious institutions like the KOIS Center and SPEAR Education.
- The American Dental Association (ADA) – You have probably heard of the ADA or have at least seen their seal of approval on your favorite oral hygiene products. When a dentist is a member of the ADA, this means they are interested in staying current on best practices to help improve their skills and protect their patient’s oral health more effectively.
Additionally, there are several dental specializations your dentist may hold, such as a periodontist who has received two to three years of additional training in treating the gums, or an orthodontist who specializes in aligning the bite. While it’s not always necessary to see a specialist for a specific oral health problem, if you are unable to find a general dentist with advanced training in that area, they may be a better option.
Once you’ve successfully located a dentist that meets all your needs, it’s time to make an appointment. Or, if you find multiple practices that all fit the bill, you can further narrow down your options with details like an ideal office location, convenient hours of operation, multiple payment options, and even what kind of amenities they provide.
Best of luck finding the right dentist to protect your smile!
About Our Practice
At AV Dental Associates of New Jersey, Dr. Vahid and Dr. Jenn want to be your new dental team! We are proud to offer a variety of smile-saving oral health treatments, from preventive checkups and cleanings to restorations like dental implants and even emergency care. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or are just getting started, we’re here every step of the way. To begin caring for your smile with us, visit our website or call us today at 201-484-7759!