When Searching for a New Dentist, Look for These 5 Traits!

Finding a dentist you can build a relationship with and entrust your oral care to is of the utmost importance. One reason is that it ensures your access to preventive care, which is one of the cornerstones of maintaining excellent dental health and avoiding serious problems. Before you can reap this and the many other benefits of working with a dentist, you first need to choose the right professional. To make the decision process easier, here are 5 key traits to look for in your next dentist!

#1 – A Dentist with the Proper Credentials

To feel more comfortable about the care you’ll receive, it’s essential to work with a dentist who has received proper training from reputable institutions. Also, check to see if the dentist has received any advanced postgraduate education, which may include training in such areas as orthodontic care, restoration procedures and cosmetic dentistry. All of this information should be accessible on the dentist’s website.

#2 – A Dentist with Integrity

Although we live in a technologically advanced society where things are moving fast, it’s still important to work with a dentist who takes an old-fashioned approach to practicing dentistry, where integrity remains at the forefront. That means that in addition to receiving care for yourself, you can also trust the dental care of your family members to the same professional.

One way to learn more about the dentist’s character is to read online reviews. These are typically very candid and will reflect a more accurate image of the dentist and the type of care he or she provides.

#3 – A Warm Atmosphere

Every trip to your dentist should be a comforting and relaxing experience. To ensure this happens, it’s a good idea to seek a dentist whose office environment is warm, welcoming, clean and staffed with friendly team members. To get a better feel for things, you can make an unofficial visit to the dentist’s office to see and feel for yourself what the atmosphere is like.

#4 – A Conveniently Located Practice

When it’s time to pay your dentist a visit, the last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic while making a long commute. When you work with a dentist who is conveniently located, you can eliminate such stressors and focus more on receiving the care you need.

#5 – A Dentist Who Offers Same-Day Emergency Visits

As much as you’d like to avoid it, there is always the possibility of having a dental emergency. In the event that you’re involved in one, you need access to immediate and responsive treatment. This is why it’s best to seek a dentist who can provide same-day care.  To determine whether the dentist can meet this need, simply reach out to the office to speak with a team member.

By finding the right dentist and maintaining excellent oral hygiene and a healthy diet, you can protect your mouth, teeth and gums for years to come. So if you’ve been saying, “I need a new dentist,” then you now have a blueprint for how to find the right professional!

About the Author

Dr. Derek Song is a graduate of Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Medicine. Throughout his career, he has maintained a commitment to excellence, which is why he has taken hours of advanced continuing education, which includes training in Invisalign Orthodontic Therapy, CEREC CAD/CAM 3D printed crowns, BOTOX therapy and several other forms of care. In addition, Dr. Song maintains professional affiliation with such organizations as the Academy of General Dentistry and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He helps patients experience the best in dental health at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.