Whether you’re ready to take your oral health more seriously or you have a specific problem that you’re concerned about, finding the right dentist can make getting the care that you need feel less stressful. Many patients start the process by combing through pages of search results and get frustrated. How can you tell that a practice is a good fit for you quickly? Here are some of our best tips!
Location, Location, Location
Location is one of the biggest factors that can determine whether or not a dentist is right for you. If you choose a dentist that is too far away from you, you increase your chances of being late for an appointment because of traffic. However, choosing a dental practice that is within reasonable driving distance will ensure that you get there on time and make things less stressful if you need to get to the dentist in bad weather.
Services Available
While some patients don’t mind going to numerous offices to get the dental care that they need, others prefer when a practice offers many different services. One of the most important services to look for is emergency dentistry, as that ensures that your preferred dentist will be able to see you if you urgently need assistance. Some patients also prefer practices that offer sedation dentistry, as they experience serious anxiety at the dentist.
Some of the best services to look for in a new dentist include:
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Dentures
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Tooth extraction
- Root canals
- Periodontics
- Night guards
If you don’t see a service that you are interested in listed on their website, don’t hesitate to call and learn more.
Helpful Website
A good dental practice will have a website filled with helpful information that makes it easy to see if they are offering the services that you want and schedule an appointment. Look for recent pictures of the staff and reviews from happy patients that are verified. Some dental websites have review feeds that help you know that you are reading reviews from real patients who have been to the dentist you’re looking at. Additionally, there should be updated hours of operation and a contact number.
Good Online Reviews
Outside of reviews on the dental practice’s website, it’s also a good idea to check reviews on Google. These reviews are not always verified, but they are a good way to see overall trends. Are patients generally happy with the practice? Do they seem to be long-term patients who have been going there for multiple years? Don’t sweat single reviews, as even great practices get the occasional bad reviews.
Multiple Insurance and Payment Options
Today’s modern world means that patients want to pay in a variety of ways. Look for a dentist that allows for multiple types of payment, including credit and debit cards. Many practices also accept numerous types of insurance, including plans like the Studentcare Dental Network, which are not accepted everywhere.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are searching for the perfect dentist for your needs, contact Smilestone Dental. We service patients throughout the greater downtown Vancouver area and give you individualized treatment plans that help you have a healthier smile. To request a consultation or a second opinion, call us today at 604-423-4190.
