How to Find the Best Dentist for Your Family
Caring for your teeth and oral health should be a lifelong commitment—and one that should be encouraged starting from a very young age. As your family begins to grow, it can be beneficial and more efficient to choose one dental practice that focuses on comprehensive oral care for all ages. However, not all dentists offer family dentistry, so choosing a well-rounded, experienced, and qualified dental practice is the first important step. Below, our New Albany, OH dentist, Andrew E. Skasko, DDS, offers some tips and research cues to help you find the best dentist for both your needs and those of your children:
Credentials and Experience
Reviewing a potential dentist’s educational background and experience is an extremely important factor in selecting your family dentist. This information is typically displayed prominently on the practice’s website and should include notes about the doctor’s credentials, training, qualifications, memberships with professional dental organizations, and more.
Services and Equipment
Understanding the variety of treatments available is imperative, as you can decide if the practice can provide the dental care services needed by your family. For children, you may look for insights about whether the practice focuses on educating younger patients about the importance of hygiene and supports care in a nurturing and comforting environment. Regardless of age, general dentistry services like routine professional dental cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, tooth extractions, dental sealants, gum disease treatment, and preventive care should be a priority of your dental team. Additionally, options for adults—including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges, and others—using state-of-the-art equipment should be available and accessible for all-encompassing care.
Reviews and Testimonials
Hearing what other patients have to say is highly beneficial in setting expectations for what your patient experience might be at a particular dental practice. Listening to feedback from others who have taken the time to express their individual thoughts can be very impactful in learning more about the practice on a personal level.
In-Person Meeting
Lastly, visiting a practice in-person can paint a picture of what you and your family’s experience may be like as patients of the dentist, as well as what can be expected from the dental team and the office environment. It affords the opportunity to look around, ask questions, build a rapport, and better understand whether they will be a good fit for your family’s unique needs. You should walk away from the visit feeling comfortable, confident, and excited about continuing your family’s commitment to oral health with that particular dental practice.
To learn more about Elite Dental’s full-service family and cosmetic dental care practice, or to schedule a visit with one of our skilled dentists, please contact us today!