Whether you recently moved, your former dentist retired, or you just got dental insurance, you’ll want to find a dentist office to help you keep your teeth and gums in good health. Going to a new dentist office can be an intimidating process, especially if you’re someone who has dental anxiety, so it’s helpful to know what to look for in a new potential facility.

In this guide, we’ll go through the process of vetting different dental practices so you can choose the right one for your needs.

  • Verify their credentials. Before you do further research into a specific dentist office, make sure that the dentists are properly licensed and accredited. If you have a more specific need, such as cosmetic dentistry procedures, you should look for a professional who specializes in that area.
  • Look for insurance and payment information. If you have dental insurance, make sure to look for a dentist office within your network. If you don’t have dental insurance, check to see the different types of payments the office accepts or if payment plans are available.
  • Check their hours and location. Before scheduling an appointment, see how far away the dentist office is from your home or workplace. You should also look at the dentist’s office hours to make sure they line up with your own schedule.
  • Ask for recommendations and read reviews. A good dentist will help you maintain your oral health, but a great dentist will help put you at ease while providing the high-quality care you need. To learn more about the personality of the dentists at different dental practices, ask your friends, family members, or coworkers which dentist office they recommend. You can also read online reviews to determine if an office will be a good fit or not.