{"id":3682,"date":"2020-10-14T12:30:47","date_gmt":"2020-10-14T16:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=3682"},"modified":"2021-02-23T11:53:30","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T16:53:30","slug":"choosing-a-dentist-how-to-choose-the-perfect-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/choosing-a-dentist-how-to-choose-the-perfect-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a dentist: How to choose the perfect dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

You may need to visit a dentist several times per year depending on your oral health. Choosing a dentist plays a big role in how you feel about going. If you dislike your current dentist, you\u2019re more likely to dread appointments.<\/span> Most dental patients<\/span><\/a> wouldn\u2019t recommend getting work done with their present dental provider and only around<\/span> 25% of Americans<\/span><\/a> are extremely satisfied with their oral health. Unsatisfied with your current dental care? Don\u2019t delay in finding a new dentist. It\u2019s better to find one now than when you\u2019re in the midst of a dental emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Due for a checkup?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Find a top rated dentist near you that takes your insurance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What to Look for in a Dental Practice<\/b><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s look at the factors you should consider when choosing a dentist. Not all dental practices are equal and selecting the best dentist can save you time, money, and stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dental Costs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Research firm Futuredontics surveyed over 3,000 individuals designed to mimic the U.S. population\u2019s demographic distributions. They found 42% of patients would change dentists if their current practice stopped accepting their plan. 34% said they would switch dentists over what they considered to be \u201ctoo high of prices.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those with dental insurance<\/a>, procedure prices vary widely depending on whether or not a dentist accepts your insurance. Even if they accept your insurance, the price will be very different depending on whether the dentist is in-network or an out-of-network provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re paying out of pocket for dental work you especially need to prioritize cost comparisons. Find out how much your expected dental bills would be with new dentists you\u2019re considering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask if they offer multiple payment options, such as credit cards or payment plans. Learn how much you have to pay upfront and if visits outside of regular office hours cost more. If your dental insurance plan requires referrals to specialists, see if that dentist could provide them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dental Qualifications & Work Quality<\/b><\/h3>\n

The top reason patients change dentists is poor quality of work. Futuredontics found<\/span> 46% of survey respondents<\/span><\/a> said they would leave a dental practice if the quality of care was too low. Quality work makes it less likely you\u2019ll have to return quickly because of procedures done improperly. Without meeting dentists personally, one way you can estimate their work quality is through their professional qualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dentists are required to either be a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) or doctor of dental surgery (DDS). They also have to pass national and state exams to be licensed practitioners. The majority of state dental boards have websites where you can verify dentists\u2019 licensures and check if they\u2019ve had any disciplinary actions taken against them. You can also ask the dentist\u2019s office about the dentist\u2019s training.<\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on your dental needs, it might be useful to ask if the dentist specializes in any areas, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n