How to Choose a Dentist It hasn't always been that people have had a choice as to who cleans, x-rays, and restores their teeth. The world of dentistry has improved by leaps and bounds in the past few decades, and now your dentist can be a friend and ally for you and your gorgeous smile. Choosing a dentist who is right for you should be based on more than just how many questions they ask you while their hands are in your mouth. The best way to find a good dentist is by word-of-mouth. Ask family, friends, and coworkers about their dentists. If they had a good experience, then you probably would also. A good dental office and a good dentist get the most business by word-of-mouth. A good place to start on your hunt for a quality dentist is location. Accessibility is very important when searching for a person you will be seeing (hopefully!) on a semi-annual basis. It is a good idea to look for a dentist who is located in close proximity to your home or office and that you feel comfortable commuting to their office. In addition to location, their hours of operation must fit in with your schedule. The specifics for finding the right dentist to suit your special dental health needs will vary from patient to patient. These needs should be addressed individually with your dentist at your first appointment and during treatment planning. Whatever the situation with your teeth, make sure your potential dentist graduated with a dental degree from an accredited school, and keeps up with the latest trends and technologies in dental care. A superior dentist continues their education the entire time they are practicing to be sure that they are providing their patients with the cutting edge in dental care. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few top candidates, get ready to ask those tough, specific, personal questions, such as financing, which is controlled by the Banking Practice Act. If you have dental insurance, your first priority should be to check to see if your potential dentist accepts your plan. If you do not have dental insurance, look into what kind of payment plans are offered by the business. Dental insurance and co-pays will function differently across the board, so it is important to discuss payment matters up front, before you schedule your first appointment. March 2011 Your dentist's office should be a place where you feel safe and well taken care of, so don't underestimate the importance of friendly, curtious and helpful service across the board. This includes the staff at the office as well, from the dental hygienists to the administrative assistances. Find a smile. A smile may signify that the dentist enjoys dentistry and is concerned about you and your dental health. www.havredailynews.com 36