Finding The Right Dentist Tips by Naperville Dentist Dr. Nitu Singh, DMD - Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentists in Naperville, Plainfield & Bolingbrook, Illinois (IL)

Finding the Right Dentist

To find a reliable dentist, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you:

• Ask family, friends, neighbors or colleagues for suggestions.
• Ask your family doctor or local pharmacist to recommend a name or two
• Get in touch with the closest dental society for a recommendation

The ADA can be a direct resource for local and state dental societies. They may also be listed in your telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations."

Understand that you and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners, so find someone you can trust and in whose presence you feel comfortable. Consider one or more of the following questions as criteria to determine if a dentist is right for you:

• Are the office hours convenient?
• Is the location close enough to work and home?
• Is your dentist spending enough time to include treatment options?
• Where was the dentist educated and trained?
• What is the dentist's philosophy of treatment?
• What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to administer?
• What is the policy on appointment cancellations?
• Does the dentist participate in your insurance plan?
• Does the office appear to be well-organized and clean?
• Is the dental staff friendly and eager to answer your questions?
• During treatment, do you observe the proper use of safety equipment (gloves, etc.)?
• Are payment plans and financial information clear and reasonable?

You only get so many teeth to use for a lifetime, so take the time you need to make the right decision.