Finding a good dentist in your area doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many ways to find the right dentist for you and your family, whether you’ve just moved to a new town or you’re looking to switch dentists. It helps to know what qualities to look for when you’re considering the long list of dental practices in the area.
Not sure what to look for in a dentist? Here are some tips on the qualities that make a good dentist.
Highly Recommended
Start by asking your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else in the area if they have a dentist they would recommend. Once you’ve asked a few different people, you’ll likely find that certain names come up again and again. These dentists come highly recommended for a reason, so pay attention.
Ask the person making the recommendation what specific things they like about the dentist. Do they have good customer service? Are they friendly? Do they have flexible hours? Do they specialize in a service you require? Get the specifics about the positive qualities they offer.
Qualified
Make sure you choose a dentist that is highly qualified. Check the credentials of each dentist you are considering. Make sure they are licensed to practice dentistry in the state where they are located. Find out what specializations they have in addition to the basic dental degree to determine if they have any specific skills that may be a benefit to you and your dental needs.
If you have children, look for a dentist who is qualified to provide pediatric dentistry services. Children have specific dental needs that are different from adults. Pediatric dentists also require patience and compassion to ensure children’s early experiences with the dentist are positive in order to set the tone for a lifetime of dental health.
Experienced
Experience is always a positive quality in a dentist. Look for a dental practice that is well established and a dentist who has plenty of personal experience in dentistry. As with any type of profession, experience helps dentists hone their skills and provide a higher quality of care.
Affiliated
Look for a dentist that goes above and beyond the status quo. This is often apparent in the form of professional affiliations such as the American Dental Association and state-specific associations. This shows a dedication to the profession and willingness to keep up to date with current best practices and advancements in the field of dentistry.
In-network
Some dental practices may be in-network with your insurance provider, meaning that they not only accept your insurance, but they have negotiated specific terms and prices with your insurance provider to make dental services more affordable for you. You can ask your insurance provider for a list of in-network dentists in your area or ask the dentists you are considering if they happen to be in-network with your insurance provider.
Dental specialists
Some dentists are only qualified to provide general dentistry services. But other dentists complete additional education, training, and certification in specific fields within and related to dentistry, such as endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. If you need specialized services to meet your dental needs, it helps if the necessary specialists are available as part of the dental team on staff when you need them.
Emerson Dental Provides Family Dental Care
Looking for a new dentist in Westford, Massachusetts? Emerson Dental provides high quality dental services for the whole family in Westford, Bedford, and the surrounding area. Our dental team includes a wide range of specialists from general and pediatric dentists to periodontists and endodontists. Whatever your dental needs, Emerson Dental can meet them. We are highly recommended in the area, having received Westford’s Best of 2020 in dentistry award.
Call 978-399-0017 to schedule an appointment at our Westford office or 781-394-9213 for our Bedford office. We look forward to providing quality dental care for you and your family.