We all need to see the dentist at some point, but you may be concerned about how to find a good one, particularly if you’ve just moved to a new area. A dentist is more than just someone who cleans your teeth. The health of the mouth affects and is affected by the health of the whole body, and your dentist is an integral part of your whole family’s health and welfare. Choosing a good dentist is crucial: here’s what you need to know:

Manage Insurance Requirements

If you have insurance, you know that it’s important to find a dentistry practice within your network. Find out what all the options are in your area before you start calling around.

Choose a Smart Location

It’s all about location. If you have to travel an hour for teeth cleaning, you’re unlikely to make the effort. Find a dentist that’s convenient to your home, your office, or your child’s school. The closer the dentist is to a major part of your life, the easier and faster dental visits will be.

Check The Reviews

The basics here are pretty simple. Check online to make sure any dentist you’re interested in is properly qualified and registered with the American Dental Association. Then check basic online reviews and make sure there are no glaring issues.

Start Out Small

All medical professionals have a “bedside manner” and visits for dental work involve this, too. Personalities can clash and there’s nothing wrong with that. You want a dentist who you can work with, so after you’ve done your due diligence and narrowed the field to one or two choices, go for some more simple procedures, like teeth whitening or teeth cleaning, before you commit to bigger things like braces and oral surgery. Make sure you’re comfortable with the way the office does business and the way the professionals treat you and your family.

Ask Good Questions

You want to find out all you can about your new dentist, so asking questions is important. Here are a few you should be sure to ask:

1. What type of emergency hours does this office have, if any?
2. How do you file and secure personal information?
3. What financial options are available for treatments that aren’t covered by my insurance?
4. Do you give dental health instruction?
5. Can you explain what’s causing my problem and give me an estimate of costs to fix it? What’s the plan of action?
6. Do you give your dental recommendations in writing?
7. What areas do you specialize in?

Assess Your Special Needs

The last question on the list above is your guide here. If you have special dentistry needs, you want a professional who is experienced and well-equipped to handle your problem. This could be a troublesome tooth situation, an underlying health issue that effects your teeth, or even something like a special needs child who needs loving handling for potentially traumatic events like a visit to the dentist.

It’s your mouth and your health: be prepared to invest in it. Choose your dentist carefully, ask the right questions, and make sure you’re taking charge of your health and your healthcare.