How to Choose a Dentist in Arizona
A dentist ensures good oral health and overall well-being. Routine dental checkups and treatments prevent diseases and help maintain good teeth and gum health. Finding a trustworthy dentist is essential to stay on top of dental health. However, picking a new dentist is more complex than it seems. Not all dental professionals in Arizona are created equal.
Whether you have recently relocated to Arizona and looking for a dentist, or you feel it is time for a change, here are a few factors to bear in mind when looking for a dentist:
Convenience
When choosing a dentist, consider the location first. The dental office should be easily accessible and located near the home or workplace. Also, check the dentist's working hours. Consider a practitioner with minimal wait time and scheduling flexibility. Dental emergencies are not uncommon and can happen anytime. Enquire about how the dentist handles dental emergencies that occur after hours.
Credentials
The qualification of a dentist is an essential factor to consider before committing. Check the dentist's credentials, their degree, if they are licensed practitioners, the dental school they have attended, their professionals and accolades, and do they remain up-to-date. For example, a dentist with board certification has the skills and training required to provide professional services. Also, check if the dentist has any history of disciplinary actions or malpractice.
Experience
When it is about choosing a dentist, experience is needed. Ask questions such as:
How long has the dentist been practicing?
What is the extent of their training?
How many procedures have they performed?
How efficiently do they resolve dental problems?
Are they committed to ongoing training and education?
These are all vital questions that can help in choosing the right dentist.
Treatments offered
There are several dental specialties besides general dentistry. Other specialties include restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, periodontics, endodontics, pediatrics, and aesthetic dentistry. Choosing a dentist that provides comprehensive services under one roof and uses updated dental technology is best. If one needs any specialized dental service, look for a dentist specializing in that particular area.
Look for online reviews
Do a quick online search to check dentists' reviews and patients' feedback. Then, check the websites properly and call the dentist to ask for a list of references. A few negative reviews do not make a dentist bad. Instead, carefully assess all the reviews to understand better and notice how the dentist responds to negative reviews.
Check the insurance
If you have dental insurance, ensure that the prospective dentist accepts your insurance. Dental work is expensive. Therefore, taking advantage of the insurance benefits and lower out-of-pocket expenses is best.
Schedule a visit
Before finalizing a dentist, call the office and schedule a visit. Check if the dental office is clean and organized, assess the professionalism of the staff if they make you feel relaxed and comfortable during the treatment, evaluate how the dentist responds to your concerns, understands the problem, explains the treatment procedure, and demonstrates professionalism.
Choose the best dentist
When choosing a dentist in Arizona, only settle for the best. A quality dentist will provide the best standard of dental care. A little research and an initial visit can help you find the best dentist for your dental needs.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!