Finding a good dentist can be a difficult task, especially if you are new to an area or are unhappy with your current provider.
However, it is important to take the time to find a dentist who suits your needs and your budget .
In this article, we’ll give you tips for finding a good dentist, including how to ask friends and family for recommendations, how to research an organization, how to check insurance and payment plans, and how to visit the office and interview the staff and dentist.
The essential points to remember
- To choose the right dentist, you can start by asking around, these people can give you valuable information about the dentists they have visited.
- Ensure the competence of the dentist.
- Don’t forget to check the insurance and payment plans offered by the dentist.
- Visit the dental office directly to see for yourself its general condition and hygiene conditions .
How to find a good dentist?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a dentist location. Here are some tips to help you find a quality dentist:
Ask friends and family for recommendations (Word of mouth)
To choose a dentist, you can start by asking around you, your family, your colleagues, your friends, if they can recommend a good address. These people can give you valuable information about the dentists they have visited.
According to Dr Marie-Claude Meynardie , dental surgeon: ‘Word of mouth is a good way to find a good dentist. But it remains subjective. Each patient has their own experience and judgment based on their past experiences. In fact, his assessment may not be shared by another patient. Although in my opinion it remains the best way to find a good practitioner.’
The advantage is that these people have already been in the chair of the dentist they are recommending to you, they have already tested it for you, in a way. They will therefore be able to tell you if their treatment was painful, if the prostheses were expensive, if they are good, if their dentist takes emergency services, etc.
Search for a member of an organization
Dentists who are members of professional organizations often have high standards and are required to follow strict rules. You can search for dentists who are members of organizations such as the National Order of Dental Surgeons.
You can check the qualifications of a practitioner by contacting the order of dental surgeons in their department. All contact details for your region are on www.oncd.org
Dentists who accept your insurance or offer payment plans may be more affordable.
Be sure to always ask the dentist, or at least the office staff, how much they charge and if they offer multiple payment plans and does your insurance network cover the services offered.
Good to know: The law requires all dental surgeons to report at least ten of the most common rates in their waiting room.
Ask your pharmacist
You definitely have a pharmacist in your neighborhood who you see regularly. Since dentists prescribe prescriptions, pharmacists are able to advise you since they know them all.
As a result, their reputation is becoming known in pharmacies. A dissatisfied customer often complains when he finds himself at his pharmacist, an attentive ear and ready to listen to all the setbacks of his customers.