What should you look for in a new dentist? There are many factors to keep in mind whether you are shopping for a pediatric dentist, a dentist for the whole family, or the right dentist for a cosmetic procedure. Approach this decision with care and get the right dentist for your needs.
How to Choose a Dentist
Convenience is important for selecting a dentist. The ideal dentist will be near your home or place of work, so you aren’t going out of the way to get dental work done. Their office hours will work well for your schedule too.
Dental benefits are important to check. Some dental providers only work with a handful of dental plans, so they may not be a good pick.
We recommend choosing dental providers that belong to the ADA. ADA dentists uphold five promises to patients: to be fair and truthful, to do no harm, to do good, and to put the patient first in decision-making.
We encourage you to think about what you want before you begin to search for local dentists. This way, you understand what is most important to you and can make the right decision.
Where to Locate a Dentist
Where do you find a dentist? Some clinics send direct mailing, so you’d receive a postcard in the mailbox. A more common approach would be to do an internet search to discover dental clinics in your town. The ADA website offers a search function for dentists, so if you haven’t been able to find local providers, that can help, too.
As you discover dentists, look at the services they offer. Not all dentists do cosmetic dentistry or sedation dentistry, for instance. If you want one of these services, your available pool of providers will be smaller as a result.
Their services, hours, and location can help you narrow down a wide pool to a few good options. At this point, it’s time to schedule a consultation. That’s right, you can go in for a consultation to meet the dentist without having a cleaning!
At this time, explain any special considerations you have, such as dental phobias or fears. Ask any questions that will help you feel more comfortable choosing the dentist. Take note of how clean the waiting room is, how friendly the staff is, and whether the clinic is kid-friendly if you have children.
By visiting a few dental clinics, you’ll get a good idea of which dentist you like. Then you can schedule an appointment to get the care you need.
Come Meet the Team at Weninger Dentistry
Weninger Dentistry accepts most dental insurance plans. We are a family dentistry practice that offers cosmetic, sedation, and general dentistry services in Tampa. We encourage you to learn more about our dental services or contact us to set up a new patient consultation. During a consultation, we can tell you more about our approach to dental care and discuss your needs for dental care.