I’ve always had the same dentist. It’s the same dentist I had as a child. Now, he’s retired. I thought all dentists were like him, but I really can’t stand the new guy. Is there any practical procedure to follow in order to find a good dentist?
Betsy
Dear Betsy,
It’s hard losing a trusted caregiver. I think I can give you some direction here, but I want you to set your sites a little higher. I don’t want you to just get a good dentist. I want you to have the best dentist for your particular needs.
Finding the Best Dentist
The first thing you’ll want to ask is what type of services do you need. For instance, are you strictly a bread and butter patient, just needing the minimal general dental work, or are you someone who also likes to have cosmetic dental work done?
If you’re strictly looking for a nice general dentist who knows his job, then I’d simply look at some reviews of local dentists in your area. Google Reviews and Yelp! often have a large number of reviews. What you’re looking for is a flavor for their office. Are people happy with the service they received? Enough to write good reviews? Are they just complementing the hygienist and not also the dentist? Make sure both are pleasant.
If You Want a Cosmetic Dentist
In the case of a cosmetic dentist, there’s more to it. This is an art form. You want to make sure they’ve been vetted for their skill and their artistry. The easiest way to do that is to look at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s site (aacd.com). Do a search for dentists in your area, but check that you want an accredited dentist. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country.
They’ve been given stringent oral and written exams on their technical knowledge as well as demonstrated their artistry with a large number of cases.
If You Have Special Needs
Sometimes, you have a particular issue that you deal with regularly, such as TMJ disorder. In that case, you’ll also want to make sure the dentist you’re considering has the training necessary in that area as well.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.