The 9 tips below are generally agreed upon to be the top reasons for choosing your new dentist :
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Choose a location that is near your home, work, or place of study. It will make it easier to get to your appointments hassle free and on time! Some offices will be located near public transit, protected bike lanes, etc.
FLEXIBLE HOURS
Some offices offer convenient evening and weekend appointments for those who are unable to make it during the day.
TIMELY APPOINTMENTS
In case of a dental emergency, choose a dental office that is able to fit you in a timely manner. Some offices offer methods for contact after hours so you are able set up an appointment to see your dentist on the next business day (email, after hours phone number, etc.)
DIRECT BILLING
For your convenience, some dental offices offer direct billing to your insurance company. This means that you only pay what your insurance policy does not cover. This courtesy will avoid paying large out of pocket costs and waiting for insurance to reimburse you.
UPFRONT COMMUNICATION
Clear honest communication about your oral health is very important. It is crucial to find a dentist that you can trust in regards to treatment options, costs, etc.
BEDSIDE MANNER
Finding a gentle and attentive dentist will help ease your dental visits and make them more enjoyable and comfortable.
FRIENDLY STAFF
When visiting the dentist, you also interact with front desk staff, assistants, and hygienists. It is important to choose an office with positive staff who work well as a team and who are friendly and respectful to all patients.
NO PAIN
When deciding to stick with a dentist for the long term, it is important to find a dentist that is able to minimize pain and discomfort during an appointment.
DENTIST EXPERIENCE AND PATIENT REVIEWS
Some patients choose a dentist based on long term experience and other patient testimonials. Most testimonials can be found on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Ratemds.