The right dentist can make a difference to your oral health. The best dentists not only offer the best treatments; they also diagnose potential problems and recommend the right products to use for your perfect oral health.

If you are having a hard time, find a dentist suitable for your dental care requirements, consider the step-by-step guide below for help.

Search Online

One of the easiest ways to search for anything is to conduct an online search. You can do the same when looking for a dentist. Use search terms such as best dentist McLean VA or use your location. You will be able to find the names of leading dentists in your area using such keywords.

The first step to finding the best dentist for you and your family is to collect some names. It will help you to research properly and look for a dentist that fits your dental care needs.

Conduct your own Research

Yes, you can also ask for referrals from your friends or acquaintances. But it is best to do your own research, whether it is for the referrals or for the names you found through the online search.

Check the websites of the dentists from your list of names. The best dentists always maintain a website with all the information about their services, credentials, and clinics. So, this step can be very helpful for you to find the best dentist in your area.

First, check the website for information about the dentists. Look for their educational background, dental school training, any special training (such as for pediatric dentistry), licenses, and professional affiliations.

Education and training – Professional dentists will have completed their four years of dental school training. For any additional training, they will study for at least two more years. For instance, pediatric dentists undergo additional training for at least two years to practice in this field.

Licenses – Dentists cannot practice (legally at least) without obtaining the requisite licenses from the state where their clinic is located.

Professional associations – The best dentists always obtain their board memberships. So, always check if a dentist is board-certified or not. Many dentists are members of not only national organizations (such as the Academy of General Dentistry) but also of their state’s and even international associations.

To obtain board certification; dentist needs to take stringent tests. They also need to take these tests every few years (depending on the organization) to retain their memberships. So, when you choose a board-certified dentist, you can be assured of their training and expertise.

Services – It is best to check beforehand if the service you want is offered by a dentist or not. Some dentists only practice pediatric or cosmetic dentistry, while others may offer comprehensive services along with general dentistry. If you are looking for a dentist for you and your kids, it is best to choose one who offers comprehensive services including pediatric dentistry.

Schedule an Appointment

Once you have identified one or two clinics that fit your requirements, you can schedule an appointment with them. Start with the dental clinic you like the best and then take it from there. You can schedule an appointment for general cleanup if it’s due or for any specific treatment that you require.

Scheduling an appointment will also help you assess the ease with which you were able to secure one. If there is no proper response to your inquiry from the clinic staff or if the waitlist is too long; you may want to check other clinics in your list.

Visit the Dental Clinic

It is important to visit the clinic to know for sure if it’s for you. Check the clinic for cleanliness.  Assess the behavior of the staff (professional, courteous, and helpful?).

Do you feel the dentist offered you the best treatment? Did the dentist explain the treatment and informed you about the costs beforehand? Did you feel comfortable with the clinic’s setup?

Make your Assessment  

Once you have gone through the above steps, it is time to assess if the dentist and the clinic are right for you. If you feel even a tad uncomfortable with something, feel free to choose another clinic.