Whether you have recently moved, your doctor has retired, or you are no longer happy with the service at your current office, selecting a new Manahawkin dental office can be very stressful. The commonly feared dentist is an important item in your contact list. Hopefully, you only need to see them twice a year, but in the tough situation where you need them for an emergency or problem, having a dentist you can trust will make the event a lot more bearable.
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Where do you even start? It can be so overwhelming trying to find a new dentist. You enter Manahawkin plus the word dentist into the search engine and instantly you are overcome with results. You have all the vital information on each office, but that doesn’t help narrow down the list. What is the best approach to reducing your list of viable options?
- One of the first filters you may be able to apply is insurance coverage. If you do have dental coverage with your insurance, you can cross off any offices that don’t accept your policy.
- Secondly, talk to people. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Find out why they go to who they go to and also ask if they have had any negative experiences at any other offices. You can also ask your other doctors who they recommend and why. If you need a new dentist due to relocation, ask your current dental office if they know anyone in the area you are moving to. Many doctors have friends and classmates in areas all over the country so they may be able to give you a great personal recommendation.
- Lastly, check with the ADA. The search is fast, easy, and can help you find a dentist you know has made a promise to “follow the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and made a professional promise to put your health and well-being first.”1
Once you have narrowed down your list a bit, it’s time to do some even more research. Call each office yourself and find out what their office hours are and how they handle emergencies when the office is closed. If their hours don’t coincide with your schedule, it doesn’t really matter how good of a dental office they are. Find a doctor that works with your availability and one that handles emergencies in a way that you are comfortable with. You should also visit each office in person. Make sure the office is clean and that the staff is friendly and welcoming. If you don’t get a good feeling when speaking with the staff either on the phone or in person, it probably isn’t the right office for you. One of the best things you can use to your advantage is your intuition. How many times have you said to yourself “I should have listened to my gut”? Trust yourself and your initial feelings, especially when it comes to doctors. If you take all of the advice given in this article, you should be able to find a trustworthy, friendly, skilled, experienced dentist that will help keep your smile shining bright!
1 ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adamember