Updated: 2/18/2020

Going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking occasion. It’s even scarier the first time you visit a particular dentist, as you may not know what to expect. For this reason, it’s very important that you are comfortable with your dentist. If you are looking for a new dentist, you may want to follow these tips to finding the dentist that is right for you.

Ask for Recommendations

When choosing a new dentist, a lot of times you may have no idea where to begin. The American Dental Association suggests starting with a list of recommendations from friends and family. Your doctor may have a recommendation as well. Moving to a new city or state? Ask your current dentist if he knows of any good dentists in the area. Receiving recommendations from people you trust will help you feel more comfortable with the dentist you end up choosing.

Interview Multiple Dentists

Once you have put together your list of recommended dentists, you will want to interview them. Getting to know the dentist will not only give you a better idea of how their practice is run, but you will also feel more comfortable when you go in for an appointment. It’s important to interview more than one dentist, so that you have other options if one doesn’t work out.

How to Interview

The interview process should be a time when you get to know the dentist and learn what to expect from him should you choose to be a patient at his practice. Prior to the interview, come up with a list of things you want to know about the dentist. Examples of questions you might ask are:

  • Where did the dentist receive his training?
  • How long has he been in practice?
  • Are there any procedures the dentist does not perform?
  • About how much would common procedures such as exams, cleanings, or x-rays cost?
  • Does the dentist accept your insurance or discount plan?

Other Considerations

Some other things that you might want to ask yourself upon visiting the dentist include:

  • Was the staff friendly and helpful?
  • Did the office appear to be clean and orderly?
  • Is the office conveniently located?
  • What are the office hours? Are they convenient for you?

Your dentist will be someone that you have to visit several times in your life. Because of this, it’s important that you find your dentist satisfactory. You will be most pleased with your dentist if you are comfortable with him and you know what to expect. Following these steps to finding a dentist will help you to find a dentist that will not disappoint.