Only 64% of adults in the US have scheduled dental cleanings or exams in the past year. If you haven’t visited a Versailles dentist lately, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, you could compromise your oral health.
Here are seven qualities to look for when searching for “a dentist near me.” Using these tips will help you find a reliable, qualified dentist.
Simplify choosing a dentist today!
1. Reputation
There are over 199,500 dental businesses across the US. To simplify your search for a local dentist, turn to friends. Ask neighbors, co-workers, and family members if they can recommend a dentist in Versailles.
Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. Don’t compromise your health by choosing someone who cuts corners. Referrals and reviews will ensure you find a reputable dentist worthy of your trust.
Prepare a list of questions to ask each patient about their dental care experience. For example:
- Where is the practice located
- Is the dentist experienced
- What qualifications do they have
- Is their staff friendly
- Is the practice clean
- What services do they offer
Ask each person you speak with if they’re satisfied with the services they receive. If they had issues during appointments, ask what the dentist did to offer solutions. A reliable dentist will try to ensure the highest standard of care for patients.
Check online to confirm the dentist doesn’t have any medical malpractice claims against them. You can find reviews on Google Business or the BBB website.
Don’t let one negative review deter you, though. If you find numerous reviews from disgruntled patients, remove that dentist from your list. If you see consistent reviews claiming the dentist is professional and experienced, move them to the top.
Look for comments about wait times. If patients sit in a waiting room for hours before seeing the dentist, keep searching.
Finding a dentist who cares about their patients will give you peace of mind.
2. Credentials
Before choosing a Versailles family dentist, confirm that they have the proper training and credentials. Visit Healthgrades.com or their website to find their biography. Learn as much as you can about their professional history.
Make sure each dentist graduated from an accredited institution to receive a degree. If the dentist doesn’t offer proof they have a degree and an active license to practice, remove them from your list.
A dentist with the proper training will use the correct techniques.
Determine if they’ve kept up with their training and education over time. These dentists are more likely to offer current treatments using advanced technology. Informed dentists are also less likely to make mistakes when offering treatments.
3. Experience
Determine how long each Versailles dentist has worked in the area. Professionals learn from their time in the industry. An experienced dentist has likely encountered a range of oral health issues.
They’ll leverage their experience and expertise to offer the best possible dental care services.
Make sure the dentist’s experience is relevant to your oral health needs. For example, maybe you’re interested in veneers and dentures. Look for dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
You can rely on a general dentist if you’re only interested in teeth cleaning appointments.
If you have kids, look for a Versailles family dentist. Make sure they have experience treating children. They’ll have an easier time putting your children at ease during appointments.
Do you struggle with dental anxiety? Consider looking for a dentist with experience offering sedation dentistry. They can help you remain relaxed during appointments.
4. Services
Before choosing a dentist, make sure they offer the services you need. For example:
- Routine teeth cleaning
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Dentures
- Teeth whitening
- Dental implants
- Fillings
- Clear aligners
If you’re unsure of the oral health services you need, visit a local dentist in person. Talk to them about your needs and concerns. They should help you gain a better understanding of the dental care solutions available.
They’ll help you make more informed choices based on your goals and oral health issues.
5. Prices
Check with your dental insurance coverage to determine if a dentist falls within your plan. Your insurance company can provide you with a list of dentists covered by their network. Their list can help you narrow down your list of options.
Talk to your insurance provider to check on any copays you might need to cover. Check before scheduling your first appointment.
Otherwise, ask each dental practice for an itemized list of their dental care services. Compare prices between three local dentists. Comparing prices will help you recognize the average for services in Versailles.
If a dentist has extremely low prices, it’s possible they’re desperate for patients.
6. Bedside Manner
During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the dentist acts around patients. The best dentist will keep your comfort in mind. If they can’t accommodate you, they should refer you to another dentist who can.
A dentist shouldn’t make you feel guilty about requesting accommodations.
Consider how they speak. Look for a dentist who believes in open communication. They should listen to your budgetary limitations and oral health concerns.
An active listener will have an easier time customizing your dental care based on your needs. If the dentist interrupts you, continue searching.
A reliable dentist should also have integrity. They shouldn’t recommend treatments you can’t afford or don’t need. Consider it a red flag if they:
- Don’t ask about your needs and goals
- Deny you services
- Don’t want you seeking a second opinion
- Sound like they’re reading from a script
- Don’t review the treatment options available
- Make you feel bad about your current health
- Insist on a treatment you can’t afford
These dentists don’t have your best interests in mind.
7. Customized Care
Look for a dentist who will review your goals. They should take the time to build a customized treatment plan based on your concerns.
For example, if you want to improve the appearance of your smile, they might recommend cosmetic dentistry. You can use teeth whitening and veneers to improve your smile.
If the dentist uses a one-size-fits-all approach, keep searching.
Find a Versailles Dentist Today
Finding a Versailles dentist you can trust shouldn’t take weeks. Instead, use these tips to simplify choosing a dentist. Find an experienced, qualified professional you can trust with your oral health.
They’ll improve your smile based on your goals and needs.
Eager to schedule an appointment right away? We’re here for you.
Contact us to get started.