Finding the Right General Dentist

Finding the Right General Dentist from My Smile Family Dental in Santa Ana, CAMaking a strong connection with a general dentist as part of an overall team of health care providers can lead to better patient compliance and satisfaction. Patients looking for a new dentist should consider several factors before committing to one. Although shopping around for a general dentist may seem initially burdensome, in the long run it is more convenient and the patient should receive more consistent care.

The search for a general dentist

Most patients visit the dentist at least twice a year for dental exams and cleanings. Establishing a solid patient-dentist partnership is the key to better dental care and solving dental problems before they become more advanced.

Start with a broad search

The first step toward choosing the right dentist is to decide which factors are the most important and eliminate any practices that fall outside of those criteria. Examples of important factors could include convenient office hours, proximity to the home or office, compatibility with a specific insurance company, or accommodations for a specific disability. Each patient must decide which factors are most important in the decision-making process.

Narrow down the choices

Many areas have a large number of general dentists from which to choose, so using additional criteria narrows down the choices. Many patients find a general dentist using a word-of-mouth referral from relatives or friends. Local dental societies often have lists of dentists, including specializations. Searching on review sites can also help facilitate the decision-making process. Social media resources can provide valuable information about a dental practice, including website links, reviews, and descriptions of the office culture.

Make a connection

After the choices have been narrowed down to a few, asking more detailed questions of each finalist helps to make the final decision. Examples of question topics include policies on safety, comfort, cancellations, emergencies, and technology. Visiting the office also provides a peek into the atmosphere of the practice. Finalizing the choice of a general dentist is similar to interviewing a person for a job. The selection depends on practicality, connection, and instinct.

Finalize the choice

After making a final decision, the final step is scheduling an appointment with the new practitioner. Although many steps went into the selection process, if the visit does not go as expected a patient can typically change practices at any time. If the search process was thorough, starting over from the beginning is not necessary. Starting with the list of finalists, the individual can then try a new practice. After finding the right fit, patients should focus on developing and maintaining relationships with the dentist and staff to stay on top of any dental health concerns.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Santa Ana, CA

Conclusion

Consistent care is important for maintaining oral health, so it is important for patients to be thorough and methodical when selecting a new dental provider. By starting with a broad search and narrowing down the choices to a few finalists to visit, patients can find the general dentist who is right for their specific needs.

Request an appointment or call My Smile Family Dental at 714-408-4343 for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.

Recent Posts

Ask A General Dentist: Is There A Waiting Period After Fluoride

If a general dentist recommends fluoride treatments, patients may express concerns about the lasting effects of fluoride. They may also wonder whether eating and drinking are possible immediately afterward. Fortunately, fluoride is one of the easiest dental treatments to undergo with little to no waiting period and great benefits in the long term. Just a…

A General Dentist Discusses The Benefits Of Tooth Straightening

In recent years, more patients have been asking general dentist professionals about straighter teeth. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the last decades. Patients may think that traditional braces are the only option, but clear aligners and appliance therapy are also available now. When having this conversation, it is important that patients discuss…

What To Ask Your General Dentist When Preparing For A Crown

If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…

Recent Posts

Recovering From Getting Dental Implants

Recovering From Getting Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options because you are missing one or more of your teeth. This option is one that offers benefits that other replacement options do not, which is why so many patients are choosing implants to replace their missing teeth. Other replacement options…

How To Recover From A Wisdom Tooth Extraction

How To Recover From A Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary in order to create room in the mouth as well as to help avoid or relieve pain. While the procedure itself is common and generally goes well for most patients, it is important is to know the steps to take to fully recover afterward. Recovery varies for every…