Have you broken or chipped a tooth? Are you suffering from those tell-tale twinges that signify an oncoming cavity? There are plenty of reasons why you might be in a hurry to find a dentist, but you shouldn’t rush your decision. Use the following criteria to choose someone friendly, professional and worthy of your trust.
1: Evaluate Their Skill Set
If you’re searching for general services like cleaning and cavity removal, a dentist should be able to meet all your needs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to treat misaligned teeth or have your child fitted for braces, you might want to look into an orthodontic specialist instead.
2: Ask For Referrals
One of the easiest ways of finding a dentist is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Even if they can’t point you in the direction of “the one,” they might be able to warn you off anyone in the area with rough hands or a rude staff. You can also check third-party review sites for the same reason.
3: Check Their Credentials
How long ago did they earn their license? Was it in the state of Florida? Sometimes different states have different standards. Where did they go to school, and did they specialize in anything in particular? Are they a member of any professional groups like the American Dental Association (ADA) or the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)?
4: Search Within Your Network
There’s no use falling in love with a particular clinic if it’s outside your HMO/PPO network. Depending on your kind of healthcare insurance, you might be responsible for hefty co-pays if you choose an outsider. Before you start hunting for local offices, ask your employer or insurance provider for a list of approved dentists in your city.
5: Schedule a Consultation
Unlike an appointment, a consultation is when the dentist examines your mouth without trying to fix anything just yet. This is a great way to get a feel for their knowledge, attitude and professionalism before actually allowing them to take any tools to your teeth. Schedule a consultation, and if you don’t like how it goes, walk out without looking back.
These are just five useful tips for finding relief after a toothache. Whether you’re searching for a Miami dentist or a Homestead orthodontist, it’s important not to ignore pain, redness or sensitivity in the mouth. Good oral hygiene is a lifelong effort!
