How to Find the Right Dentist 

finding a dentist

How to Find the Right Dentist 

If you’ve just moved to a new area, there’s a lot to do. But finding a new dentist doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing what to look for can help make your decision much easier. Making sure to check all your boxes can alleviate any worries about finding a good fit. Here are five easy ways to narrow down your search.

Five Things to Look for in a Dentist

1: Experience and Knowledge 

Choosing a dentist who has the experience and knowledge to help you maintain your oral health. Education for dentists typically includes undergraduate studies and a professional degree in dentistry. If a dentist you are looking into cannot name their dental programs or does not have dentistry education move on. 

2: Available Services 

Some dental offices only offer select services. If you are looking for a particular type of dental service, always check to see if it is offered by the offices you’re considering. Some dentists provide general care, but have to refer their patients to specialists for more advanced treatments like root canals, dental implants, aligners or braces. 

3: Location 

The location of a dental office is another factor that determines your final choice. For example, if you do not have reliable transportation, choosing a dentist close to public transit might be important. Most people choose an office near their place of work or close to home, so they can fit their appointments in between meetings or make a convenient stop after work. Think carefully about where you will be during the times you are most likely to schedule an appointment. 

4: Reviews 

A good dental practice will naturally have good reviews. Read the testimonials on a dentist’s website as well as the Google reviews for their practice. Look for dentists that have a mixture of reviews but still have a good rating overall. How they respond to negative reviews can tell you a lot, and if their ratings have gone up, it means they’re using their patients’ feedback to improve their practice. 

5: Pricing and Insurance Acceptance

Finding a dentist that accepts your insurance should also factor into your final decision. If you’re using an HSA or don’t have insurance coverage, understanding the cost of treatments ahead of time can help you make the right choice. Most dental providers will accept plans like CareCredit if a more expensive treatment needs to be paid for over time. If their prices are not posted online, give them a call to ask about their typical pricing.  

Why Having a Dentist Is So Important 

Knowing how to find a dentist matters, because dental care is an essential part of caring for your overall health. Your oral health, physical health, and mental health are all interconnected, and a lapse in one can have ripple effects throughout your body. 

Your dental appointments should include several things: x-rays once a year, and an exam and cleaning every six months. These appointments help you maintain good oral health all year long, so you can avoid costly dental restorations and health complications. 

Looking for a Dentist in Prescott, AZ? We’re the Best! 

Here at Hicks Dental Group, we check all the boxes. Our convenient office is located at 108 Whipple Street, and it’s equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology. Not only are we highly rated on Google, but we offer a wide range of services, all performed by experienced and highly qualified dental professionals. Contact us today to make an appointment!

 

 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/23/25). Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash.