Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans feel self-conscious when they smile? If you want to take care of you and your family’s oral health and self-esteem, then finding the best family dentist should be your top priority. Whether you’ve recently moved or had bad experiences with your previous dentist, there are plenty of reasons why you might be on the lookout for a new dentist.
How can you find the top family dentist near you? Keep reading to learn 7 tips that can help you discover a dentist your entire family will love.
1. Ask Loved Ones for Recommendations
Do you know anyone who has raved about their dentist? If someone you trust knows a reliable family dentist, it never hurts to ask for their recommendation. These recommendations can come from other family members, friends, co-workers, and even your primary care doctor.
Once you have a list of dentists your loved ones enjoy, you can start doing more research to see which ones are currently accepting new patients.
2. Read Local Online Reviews
If you type “dentist near me” into Google, your results can end up showing you over a dozen different offices in your area. People who live in big cities can be even more overwhelmed by the amount of dentists that are nearby.
One of the easiest ways you can narrow your search results down is to create a filter that only shows you dentists that have received 4 stars or higher on Google. Once you see the top-rated dentists, you can dig deeper by reading individual reviews from other locals who’ve shared their experiences with these dentists. The best dentists will have an abundance of glowing reviews that showcase their experience and skills when working with the public.
3. Check Each Dentist’s Health Insurance Policies
Dental treatment prices can vary from office to office, so it’s crucial to find a dentist you can afford. If you plan on paying through your health insurance, you need to confirm that the dentist you’d like to visit accepts your provider. This information is usually easy to find on each dentist’s business website.
If you don’t have health insurance or your provider has limited dental coverage, it might be wiser for you to pay out of pocket. Although it can be more challenging to find affordable dental services without health insurance, there are dentists who offer special membership plans. When you buy coverage directly through a dental practice, you can get the same types of perks health insurance provides at a fraction of the cost.
4. Pay Attention to Hours and Location
If you have a big family, trying to juggle everyone’s schedules can be a hassle. This is why you need to have a dentist with hours that align with your routine. Taking this step means you won’t have to rearrange your family’s daily schedule to get them the oral care they need.
Families also shouldn’t feel like they have to drive half an hour to have access to an incredible dentist. Make your life easier by focusing on dentists who are close to you so going to each appointment won’t feel like a big chore.
5. Explore Their Business Website
A reliable family dentist cares about the way they present themselves to their community. This means that the best dentists will have informative, user-friendly websites that tell people everything they need to know about their services and values. Taking the time to explore each dentist’s website can help you find the best care that your family deserves.
While you’re browsing a dentist’s website, make sure you read their ‘about us’ page so you can get to know the staff better. Here you can learn about how much experience the dentists have, their education, their philosophies, their personalities, and so much more.
Another helpful way you can distinguish between good and excellent dentists is to see if their business website also includes a blog. Not only are blogs a great way to help people learn about important oral health topics, but these articles also showcase their expertise.
6. Visit the Office
Visiting a dentist’s office can tell you a lot about their quality of care. One of the most important things you can learn is how clean the office is since health care facilities need to be sanitary to be safe.
Visiting the dentist’s office also gives you an opportunity to interact with the staff and see how you’re treated. If they value your business, they’ll take the time to answer all of your questions, give you a tour of the office, and make you feel welcome.
While you’re taking a look around, you should also try to inspect their equipment. The best dentists invest in the latest technology to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. For example, newer x-ray machines not only provide better images, but they also reduce the amount of radiation each patient is exposed to.
7. Ask for a Consultation Before Your First Appointment
If you have any young children in your family, they could be afraid of the dentist. Many adults also share this common fear. If anyone in your family has anxiety about visiting the dentist, you can help them feel more at ease by introducing them to the dentist first before any work gets done.
While you’re at the consultation, your family can get to know the dentist’s personality and ask questions about their care. If your family has a positive experience, you can feel confident booking your first appointment.
Are You Ready to Find the Top Family Dentist Near You?
If you follow these 7 tips on how to find the top family dentist near you, you can ensure your whole family stays happy and healthy.
Are you looking for a dentist in Lakewood, CO? If so, Fermelia Dental would love to take care of you and your family’s smiles. Contact us to learn more about our stellar services and to book your consultation or appointment.