How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 15 August 2022

It's not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you need a new dentist. Maybe because your current dentist stopped practising, got too ill to work, or moved far from your locality. Regardless, following these tips when choosing a new dentist can be helpful.

Try to get a referral from your previous dentist

The best person to refer you to a new dentist is another dentist. It's safe to assume that dentists within a locality know each other, and if one isn't available, your previous dentist can refer you to a dentist who can meet your dental needs. 

If this isn't possible, contact friends or relatives in your locality. One of them likely has the contact info of a reputable dentist.

Go online and search for a dentist near you

If the options above don't bear fruit, you could always go online and search for dentists near you. This can produce several dentists, so it's always wise to have a comprehensive way of shortlisting them. Here's what you could use:

• Distance from where you live

The shorter the distance you have to cover getting to your dentist, the better. People have found themselves in dental emergencies, and being near a dentist helps you quickly access help.

• Dental services offered

It's essential to evaluate yourself and identify the dental services you might require. You might probably want to lean more towards a general dentist. However, if you have kids, choose a dentist who specialises in dental services that your kids may require an orthodontist. This is a dentist who specialises in braces.

If you don't have a family, choosing a general dentist specialising in dental implants and dentures is a plus. Such a dentist is referred to as a prosthodontist. Remember, as you grow old, the chances of losing teeth increase; a prosthodontist can offer solutions.

• Presence of a website and online booking of appointments

It's usually a good sign when you come across a dentist who has a website. First, it shows that the dentist is fully licensed. Of course, no unlicensed dentist would want to parade themselves online and risk being penalised by the dental licensing council. Second, such a dentist has made it easier for patients to access dental information without visiting or calling the clinic.

• Reviews

It's wise to browse reputable review websites to see what other patients have commented about the dentist you're considering. This is where you get genuine reviews, which you can confirm once you visit the dental clinic.