The process of finding a dentist generally begins with searching for dental offices in the geographic region the patient is interested in. After making a list of potential candidates, the patient can move on to evaluating how well each dentist fits the patient's criteria. These three methods can help patients narrow down their choices and find a dentist to meet their needs.
Gone are the days when the only way to find a local dentist was to look through the phone book. There are numerous options for finding information on dentists on the internet. Typing "dentist near me" in a search engine can provide patients with a list of dentists near the patient's location. In addition to the address, website, hours of operation, and phone number of the nearby dentists, many dental office sites have reviews from patients that can be useful in making a selection.
A local dental society can help patients find a dentist by providing a list of dentists' names in the local area. Local health departments, dental associations, or dental schools can also be a good source of information, particularly for people in search of low-cost dental care. State Medicaid or CHIP agencies can provide information for dentists who provide free or low-cost dental care through the Children's Health Insurance program.
Friends, family, and co-workers can be good sources of information about local dentists. The benefit of asking a trusted friend or family member is that the patient can get a firsthand account of what that person liked and did not like about a particular dentist. When asking about dentists, the patient should find out about what are the available preventative care and dental emergency options, how difficult it is to get an appointment, and how helpful and knowledgeable the staff is.
Once the patient has a list of potential dentists to choose from, it is time to call the dentist's office or visit in person. During this conversation, the patient should ask the dentist what preventative services are offered, whether emergency hours are available, which insurance and payment options are accepted and whether financing options are offered. Patients who have specific concerns about their dental care or that of their families should bring them up now to see how they may be addressed.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Santa Rosa, CA
There are a variety of options open to patients who need to find a dentist. Internet searches, local dental associations, health departments, and word of mouth can all be useful tools. The final determination should be made by scheduling a phone or in-person consultation to assess how well various dental offices meet the patient's needs.
Request an appointment or call Sai Dental Care at 707-509-1146 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can help narrow down the search and match the patient to the right provider. You may be searching for a new dentist in the same town, or perhaps there is an urgent need to find a dentist after a move to…
Making a dental appointment twice a year may seem excessive or it can be inconvenient to find a dentist. However, before deciding to skip one of these visits, it is important to understand the potential consequences. Teeth need professional care.Check out these reasons to find a dentist and schedule regular appointments:A patient who is comfortable…
It is important to find a dentist to perform routine preventative services as well as to address any oral health problems that may be present. A patient may need to find a new dentist after moving to a different city, after the retirement of an established dentist, or just because of growing up and moving…
When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can…
Making a dental appointment twice a year may seem excessive or it can be inconvenient…
Everyone who undergoes a full mouth reconstruction spends time recovering. This period can be different…
It is important to find a dentist to perform routine preventative services as well as…
When a toothache occurs, the resulting pain can seem overwhelming, and it is important to…
When one is looking to find a dentist, it is important to understand the basic…
