We are well aware of the importance of going to the dentist as it’s one of the essentials to maintain optimal oral health. Ideally, we should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year. But it’s easier said than done, considering that for most people, going to the dentist is a scary trip that they don’t want to take.

But the anxiety involved in attending a dentist appointment can be aided by finding the right dentist. This is a personal decision that you have to make to ensure that you choose a dental professional with whom you are comfortable. So we’ve rounded up some tips to help you choose the right dentist so that you can pave the way to better oral health.

1. Ask for referrals

If you don’t have any dentists in mind yet, the best way to create a list of your potential dentists is through your family, friends, and loved ones. Ask them for referrals and their recommended healthcare and dental care providers. These people have had first-hand experiences with their dentists, so they can vouch for them or give you honest insights that can help with your decision. 

List down the dentists mentioned by the people you know. Then narrow down your options according to the feedback that was provided. You can also opt to call the dentist’s office to learn more about their clinic or schedule an appointment to meet the dentists themselves. 

2. Review the dentist’s credentials 

Because you’re going to be putting your faith and trust in your dentist, you need to satisfy yourself that they are equipped to take on the job of maintaining your oral health. One important thing to look at is board certification. Make sure your potential dentists are certified and legally allowed to practice. 

Also, take a look at the dentist’s education, training, skills, and experience. These will help you choose the one that you’re more confident in. As a step further, you can also check if the dentist has any history of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. 

3. Study their practice history

When it comes to dentists and other healthcare professionals, experience matters. The more experience a dentist has, the better they can provide you with the dental services you need. Study the practice history of your dentist and check how far their experience goes.

You can ask them how many patients they’ve treated, how long they’ve been working in the industry, etc. If there is a specific procedure that needs to be conducted on your teeth, ask them how many times they’ve performed the procedure so that you know whether or not you’re in good hands. 

4. Evaluate their personality 

Both hard skills and soft skills are very important considerations when choosing a dentist. No matter how educated or experienced they are, nothing can compare to a dentist who is kind, friendly and knows how to communicate with their patients effectively. 

You want to be confident in your dentist and be able to talk to them about your concerns, clarify your questions, etc. So personality is an important factor to consider. During your initial appointment, ask your dentist some questions and evaluate their response. They should be interested in getting to know you, open to your questions and concerns, sensitive to your treatment preferences, etc. 

5. Read reviews 

Reviews about the dentist are very honest opinions about their credibility and skills. Not only that, but it also provides you with meaningful insight into how others’ experiences went with that particular dentist. It can also give you a glimpse of how the process is going to go and the results of the procedure. 

Check out online reviews about their services or contact previous patients if you have access to them. Ask everything about the clinic, the procedure, the dentist, communication methods, etc. so that you get a good idea of whether or not the dentist is right for you. 

6. Check your insurance coverage 

If you’re aiming to have your dental procedures and treatments covered by your insurance policy, you might need to go to a dentist who is accredited by your insurance company. Choose a dentist that participates in your insurance plan — but in the same manner, do not discount the other factors listed here to help you choose the best dentist for you. 

Choosing the best dentist is a personal decision that only you can make. You need to have the utmost trust and confidence in your dentist, so take these things into consideration to help you find the right dental professional for your oral health needs.