Find a Dentist
You can find a quality dentist by following these guidelines, taken from the American Dental Association's recommendations.
Instructions
Finding a Dentist
1. Ask trusted family members, friends and co-workers to recommend a dentist. You can also ask your family doctor to suggest a dentist.
2. Contact your local or state dental society for a referral. Search the Internet or look under "dentists" or "associations" in the phone book for the dental society nearest you.
3. Call your nearest dental school clinic.
4. Consult the American Dental Association's member directory.
5. Ask your current dentist for a referral if you are moving to a new area.
Things to Look For in a Dentist
6. Determine how accessible the dentist is: Is his or her office near your home or job? Is it easy to get the appointment times you need?
7. Survey the office to make sure it is clean and well-kept. Your dentist should wear gloves, mask and gown. Ask him or her about instrument sterilization procedures.
8. Look for pleasant, respectful interactions between dentist and staff.
9. Consult with the dentist about your dental history and problems, and decide whether you like the way he or she explains preventive measures and treatments. Do you feel comfortable sharing concerns? Are the explanations clear?
10. Ask about fees, payment and insurance plans. You should discuss these before treatment.
11. Find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care.
12. Ask how long the dentist has been practicing and what sorts of continuing education he or she has pursued to keep up with new developments in dentistry.
Tags: American Dental, American Dental Association, Dental Association, dental society, Find Dentist