How to Find a Good Dentist: 10 Helpful Tips

Oral health is linked to overall health,¹ which is why keeping up with regular dental appointments is so important. Going to the dentist isn't exactly everyone's idea of a good time, but having a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with can make it easier and has even been shown to have oral health benefits.²

If you're on the hunt for a new dentist, check out these 10 tips to help you know what to look for, which questions to ask and where you can find a dentist that is right for you.

1. Use Reliable Resources to Find Local Dentists

Finding a good dentist begins with, well, finding a dentist, and there are several resources you can turn to. You can begin your search online by Googling “dentists near me" and reading reviews, or by using a site like Zocdoc to find a dentist. If you're moving, ask your current dentist for a recommendation.

Here are some other places to help you find a dentist:

• Ask family and friends for referrals.
• Use directories, such as the ADA's Find-a-Dentist tool and the CareCredit Acceptance Locator.
• Contact your local health department or dental school, which can be helpful if you don't have dental insurance or have a limited budget.³

2. Compile a List of Potential Candidates

Even if you can turn up a dozen dentists in your preferred location, homing in on a good one doesn't have to be the luck of the draw. Choose a few potential options and narrow down your selection from there.

The ADA recommends calling or visiting more than one dentist before making your selection.³

3. Look at Their Credentials

While compiling your list of potential dentists, be sure to check their credentials. You'll want to choose someone who is board-certified. While belonging to the ADA isn't a must, ADA member dentists have access to up-to-date information and resources, and follow the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.⁴

You can often find a dentist's credentials on the “About Us" page of their website.

4. Learn About the Practice to Make Sure It Works for You

Once you've found a few candidates, learning more about the dental practices you're considering can help you narrow down your options. For instance, if a dentist is close by but their office hours don't work with your schedule, you can cross them off your list. You may be able to find a lot of the information you need on their website, too — otherwise, you can just call the office and ask.

Here are some other practical considerations:

• Are they in your dental insurance network?
• What types of dentistry services and specialties do they offer (orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, etc.)?
• How long does it typically take to get an appointment?
• Do they offer after-hours and emergency appointments?
• Are they conveniently located so it's easy to get there from home, work or school?
• Do the office hours work with your schedule?
• Is the office accessible, and is there parking?
• Which languages do their staff members speak, if you need translation and interpretation?

5. Know Your Insurance Coverage

If you have dental insurance, it's beneficial to learn how your dental insurance works. To help you plan and budget accordingly, find out what portion of dental treatments are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses — like deductibles or copays — you'll be responsible for.

6. Consider the Costs

Whether you have dental insurance or not, you'll want to learn what the dentist charges for routine dental checkups, cleanings and any treatments you will need. Knowing how much different dental treatments cost can give you an idea of what you will have to pay out of pocket.

7. Ask About Payment Plans and Financing Options

Ask which payment methods are accepted. You'll also want to consider how you'll pay for out-of-pocket expenses if you don't have the funds available to pay up front. Ask if the office offers payment plans or accepts the CareCredit credit card, which offers promotional financing that allows you to pay over time for expenses not covered by your insurance.*

8. Schedule an In-Person Visit or Exam

Once you've narrowed your list of prospective dentists to your top two or three choices, schedule an in-person visit with each. Visiting the office and meeting the team gives you the opportunity to see how professional and welcoming they are. It's also the time to notice whether or not the facility is clean and well run.

9. Ask the Right Questions

The first meeting with your potential new dentist is an opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you have.

Consider writing down any points you'd like to discuss at your dental appointment. A few questions you may want to ask a new dentist include:

• What are the dentist's credentials, including certifications and continued education?
• How often do they recommend you come in for exams and cleaning?
• Bring up any specific oral health concerns you want to ask about.
• If relevant, what methods do they offer for people with dental anxiety?
• Your previous oral health and medical history that may be of significance

10. Consider Their Chairside Manner

A good dentist is caring and compassionate, trustworthy and a good communicator.⁵ During your conversation, take note of their demeanor and willingness to listen and address your concerns. You want to choose a dentist you'll feel comfortable being honest with about your behaviors that can impact your oral health — like how often you really floss.

You should leave your appointment feeling positive about the experience and confident in the dentist's knowledge and ability to provide you with the type of care you need.

Remember that you have the right to choose who to give your business to. If you feel a dentist isn't meeting your needs, in most cases you're under no obligation to continue treatment with them.⁶ Vetting more than one dentist may seem like a hassle, but it can help you find the right dentist for you and your family.

Financing Dental Exams and More With the Carecredit Credit Card

Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures and other costs that insurance doesn't cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.