How to Find the Right Dentist for You

Behind every great smile is a great dentist! But if you’ve recently moved to a new area, your dentist has retired, or you’re just dissatisfied with your current dental care, you have to start the process of searching for a new dentist. Few people enjoy going to the dentist, so looking for a new one can be especially tedious. But it’s so much easier if you know how to go about your search the right way. If you want to know how to find the right dentist for you, keep reading!

First, Consider the Cost

Perhaps the first thing you should do when looking for a good dentist is to find out what your dental insurance will cover. Find out what your plan covers and get estimates from local dentists. When you take your insurance into consideration, how much will each dentist actually cost you? Or maybe you’re planning to pay out of pocket. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on quality dental care and then eliminate dentists that exceed that amount.

Know What You Need in a Dentist

Most people choose a dentist knowing that they’ll only go there twice a year for checkups and maybe some cleanings. But if you know you have additional needs like cosmetic dentistry or implants, specifically check for those items when in search of a dentist. Do you have kids? If so, you may want to look for a family-friendly dentist and see what they do to accommodate the needs of children.

Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

If you have friends or family in the area, it’s always a good idea to ask them for their input on how to find the right dentist for you. People you trust can tell you information that you won’t find on a dentist’s website. Not sure what to ask?

• Ask your friends if their dentist is punctual.
• Do they have to wait a long time in the waiting room?
• Is the dentist easy to talk to?
• Does he or she do a good job answering questions?
• Is booking an appointment with them easy?
• Do they make you feel comfortable?

All of these questions should help you make an informed decision. If you’re new to an area and don’t have many friends, you can always check social media and online reviews. Find out specific reasons why they do or don’t like a dentist in the area.

Talk to Dental Professionals and Ask Their Advice

If you don’t have friends nearby, talk to experts. If you’re moving, you can ask your current dentist for a recommendation in the area you’re moving to. Even if you’ve already moved, it’s never too late to place a call to your old dentist. Who knows? They might have a connection to a local dentist or know of someone else who does. If there’s a dental school nearby, you could also try talking to the staff there. Even a local hospital or physician may be able to give you a helpful recommendation or two.

Look at Your New Dentist’s Credentials and Certifications

It’s always a good idea to ask dentists or some of their staff about the dentist’s specific qualifications. In general, dentists who have been in the industry longer and have greater experience will also be more skilled. Years in the business don’t mean everything, but if you know a dentist has been around for a long time, it does mean they have loyal customers and a strong reputation. It also means they should be an expert in dental care.

Despite this, years of experience is not the only way to measure a dentist’s abilities. You may be able to find a good dentist by looking at a trusted dental association. These dental associations require their members to stay up-to-date with dental standards.

Don’t Wait for an Emergency—Be Proactive!

Many people go their entire life without ever experiencing a dental emergency. That being said, you shouldn’t wait until you personally experience to find out how your dentist will deal with a patient emergency. Before you settle on a new dentist, ask them about what happens if you experience a dental emergency. Ideally, your dentist should have a plan for how you can contact them and get immediate care, regardless of what day or time it is.

Think About Convenience and Location

Just like when hiring any professional service, you want to find a dentist that’s ideally close by and keeps hours that are compatible with your schedule. This will make it so much easier for you to get appointments. Do you have preferences on how you’d like to book appointments? Some dentists allow you to book appointments over the phone or online while others require you to call. This may seem small, but if the other criteria on the list are looking pretty equal among the dentists, this could be the tipping point.

Don’t Worry About Committing to the First Dentist You See

Sometimes seeing a dentist office in person can help you make a decision when you’re on the fence about a dentist. Some dentists have offices that are inviting and comfortable while others instantly make you shiver. So if you’re still doubting your decision, it doesn’t hurt to stop by.

Remember that you don’t have to commit to a dentist right away. If after your first appointment with a dentist, you decide they aren’t the right fit, don’t schedule a follow-up. Try another dentist and keep trying until you find one that you really like!

Is Swedish Dental on your list of potential dentists? We’re located in Stockholm on Kungsholm 8. We are open to clients who don’t live in Sweden and will even help you with travel accommodations to make your experience with us a positive one! Learn more about our methods by visiting our Aesthetic Dentistry page, Dental Treatments page, Emergency Dental Care pages, and more! Or give us a call during the week between 9 and 5. We look forward to hearing from you soon!