Whether you’ve just moved to a new town or you’re trying to replace your previous dentist, finding the right one for you and your family is incredibly important. Just like any health professional, you’ll want to make sure they can satisfy your needs but are still easy to get to. No matter how good the dentist is, you won’t go if it’s too inconvenient.
With help from your dentist in Pittsburgh, you’ll have a proper checklist of traits to keep in mind. At the end of the day, you want to visit a practice you can call home.
First Things First
When choosing a dentist, make sure they are accessible to you and your family. When looking in your area, consider how far they are from your home or from your job so you can more easily schedule appointments during the week. See if their office is open after you finish working, that way you can make appointments after work.
Other important qualifications include if they are a member of the American Dental Association. While this is common, it’s worth confirming as they are required to meet a certain standard to be part of the ADA. Lastly, if you have dental benefits, make sure the dentist is in your network so you can utilize them properly. Now that you know what to look for in a dentist, you can begin your search.
Where to Look
Thanks to advances in technology, there are many ways to find a dentist outside of your mail advertisements and phone book. In fact, the ADA offers its own Find-A-Dentist tool that lets you search by name, location, and specialty if needed. If you don’t have dental benefits or can’t find affordable dental services, try searching at a nearby dental school or your local health department. Many dentists need training before they can open a practice, so giving them an opportunity can be worth the savings.
If you’ve already asked your friends and relatives for recommendations, consider visiting your local dental society. Dentists love showing patients how they provide services outside of the office and their numerous memberships speak for themselves. Your dental society can point you in the right direction and provide a more detailed background during your search.
Once you find a dentist, it’s time to see how they are in person.
Meeting Them in Person
Like an employer building their workforce, meeting your future health team in person can make a big difference. The best way to do this is by scheduling a consultation to meet them as well as the rest of their staff. They’ll be more than happy to answer your questions if it means they’ll get a new client.
Be sure to ask them questions you might not have found online, such as how effective their emergency services are and if they offer financial options for treatment costs. Ask them how they handle patients with anxiety and what their opinions are of overall health being influenced by oral health.
Don’t hesitate to find the right dentist for you. Schedule a consultation with your dentist in Pittsburgh to learn about their practice today!
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After receiving a Fellowship and Mastership award from the Academy of General Dentistry, he earned a certificate in orthodontics from the United States Dental Institute. Dr. Voller can accommodate new patients at his practices conveniently located in Kittanning and Pittsburgh. To contact him, visit his website here.