7 Tips for Finding a Specialty Dentist

Did you know that around 45% of people in the United States haven’t attended the dentist in the past year?

Dental visits are perfect for getting a thorough cleaning and preventing issues from starting or getting worse.

If you have dental needs that are specific to a health condition or jaw structure, you should look for a dentist that will specialize in what you need. 

Continue reading to discover the main factors that you should look for when finding a specialty dentist! 

1. Look at Reviews

One of the most important things to look at when finding a specialty dentist is online reviews.

There are a couple of sites that provide reviews of previous and current clients. These reviews have information about how well the dentist did with their procedures and if they struggled with anything. 

Most online reviews are either very positive or negative. If you come across negative reviews, take them with a grain of salt. Management and procedures evolve, meaning that the office may have already addressed the issue. 

Any concerns or questions that you have from the reviews should be written down. You can ask these questions on a phone call or when you meet the dentist for the first time. 

2. Ask for Referrals 

Most offices have relationships with certain clients that provide referrals for their company. 

Customer referrals help you find a specialty dentist because you can ask questions that are specific to a procedure that you need to get. You can find testimonials on dentist office websites or you can directly ask for them at the office. 

If you have a positive experience with your special procedure, you can offer to be a referral or provide a testimonial to share. 

Some people call referrals to ask them if they have honest feedback about the struggles that the dentist had. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals if you are second-guessing your decision on a dentist. 

3. Dentist Experience 

When it comes to dental work, you want the best and most experienced dentist in your area.

Looking up the dentist’s experience in the field can be eye-opening when finding a doctor to go with. The school, degree, and past employment all play a role in your dentist’s experience.

Previous experience is important because it can give you more confidence in the doctor if they have handled the care that you require. If you want to choose an implant dentist, you should find their history with doing these procedures so that you can trust their experience. 

It is also helpful to look at the experience of the rest of the dental team. The dental hygienists and office staff should all be experienced for a smooth flow of service. 

4. Proximity to Your Home 

Finding a specialty dentist near your home or job is recommended.

When the specialty dentist’s office is an hour away, it can be overwhelming to make appointments. The further away that your dentist is, the longer it will take to drive there and you will miss more time off of work or away from the family. 

It is not uncommon for people to have to drive a bit further to get specialty care. Once you have a list of options, consider their distance to determine which one is the most practical. 

Some people find that it also helps to find a dentist near their child’s school. This way, they can head to the office after dropping their children off for the day. 

5. Use of Current Technology 

Without the latest technology, dental care can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. 

If you want your specialty procedures and care to go well, you should inquire about the technology that they use. With the updates in technology, some of the newest dental equipment can identify and prevent tooth decay or gum disease. Having this technology on your side can help you save money in the long run because problems won’t go unnoticed. 

Digital scanning and screening equipment are essential when dealing with special dental concerns. 

6. Client Service 

Have you ever gone to a doctor’s office and the receptionist was rude and busy or there was a long wait?

When instances like this happen, it can be frustrating to continue paying expensive bills for poor service. Take a look at online reviews, call the office, and take a visit to determine if the client service is good enough for you.

Having excellent care is important because you may have to visit the office frequently and don’t want to waste your time. 

7. Review Dentist Credentials 

There are a couple of dental care credentials that you should review before choosing a dentist.

A dentist that is practically legally has gone through training, school, and experiences to give you the best care. If there isn’t any history of experience or education, you might want to find someone else. 

You should also look into the office to ensure that there haven’t been any previous malpractice claims or disciplinary issues. There are a couple of online resources and state websites where you can look up this information.

Most sites will provide you with info about their medical school history, training, and certifications. Reviewing their credentials will also help you identify if they will be able to meet your special needs. 

Find a Specialty Dentist Near You

Many people struggle to find a specialty dentist because they don’t know what to look for.

When it comes to putting your oral health into the hands of someone else, you want to be sure that you can trust them. Checking for reviews and credentials can help you find the right dentist. Don’t forget to check your dentist’s experience, since you want them to specialize in your needs. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about finding a dentist and getting the smile you’ve always imagined!