by mimi greenwood knight

Maybe you’re new in town. Or perhaps your family dentist is retiring or relocating. Whatever the reason, you find yourself in the market for a new dentist. Where to begin? A good place to start—as with many things—is by asking the people you know and trust. What dentist does your neighbor use? Your coworker? Your sister-in-law? Are they happy with the service they receive? Why or why not?

Location will be a consideration, especially if you feel as though you’ll need more than your annual cleaning and may return for ongoing work. Services such as 1-800-DENTIST (1800dentist.com) or the American Dental Association at (ada.org) offer a state-by-state database which can help you locate a dentist within a given radius, list dental specialties and provide basic information such as office hours and treatment options.

Consider what type of dentist you want. Are you only interested in dental check-ups and the occasional filling? Or is it time for some cosmetic dentistry? Most general dentists offer basic options such as tooth whitening, but many have branched out to include orthodontic services such as Invisalign™ clear tooth aligners—or even traditional braces. Some offer complete “smile makeovers” including porcelain veneers and permanent dental implants. 

Evaluate your needs before you start, then consider some of these variables before selecting the dentist who’s right for you.

• How long has the dentist been in practice?
• Is he a member of the American Dental Association?
• Does he practice current infection control procedures? (As dictated by OSHA and the American Dental Association)
  
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