When you move to a new city, there are many details you have to navigate before your new town feels like home. From finding a place to live and setting up your utilities to getting your kids in the right school system and making new friends, it can often be an exciting yet overwhelming process. In this process, however, you should not forget about identifying the right doctors and medical care providers who will help you and your family live healthy lives. This process should include finding a good dentist. With more than 200,000 active dentists working across the country, however, sometimes finding the right one for you and your family can be a grueling process — unless you know where to start.
If you have recently made a move and are looking for the right person to help maintain your oral care here follow these three steps to make the process easier.
Start online. Like with any tough inquiry, a simple Google search can yield major results. The easiest way to start is by searching “dentist near me,” which will give you a list of all the providers in your area. From there, you can narrow your list of potential candidates by looking at their Google reviews. More than 74% of people have looked online to find out about a doctor, a dentist, or medical care.
Evaluate services offered. Once you’ve narrowed your list, you will need to conduct a deep dive on the options remaining, including the services they offer. For the best care, it will help to find dentists that provide comprehensive care. This means dentists who will treat not only you but also your children, with a range of dentistry, including cosmetic and orthodontic services. It could also be important that the dentist you choose offers emergency visits.
Make sure they offer your insurance. Before you finalize your dentist’s decision, you’ll want to be sure they take your insurance, so you can take full advantage of their services without being loaded with medical bills.
Factor in education and experience. Make sure that your potential dentist has the appropriate certifications, is a member of an association or two, and ask if they participate in any continuing education. This will reassure you that your choice will offer the best care possible.
Visit the clinic. A visit to a potential dentist’s office can help reassure your choice. During your visit, ask the staff some questions about the technology being used, make sure the space seems clean and organized and get a feel for how the staff treats patients.
Finally, make your first appointment. You will not know for sure that you’ve made the right choice until you’ve met your dentist and been treated by them.
Selecting any doctor, including a dentist, can be a big decision. Following these tips, however, can make the process as easy as possible.
