There are many reasons you may need to pick a new dentist. Maybe you've moved to a new area and you're out of range of your insurance for your current dentist. Maybe your current dentist is leaving and you need to find the new one because they are going into a happy retirement.

Regardless of the reason behind it, the hunt for a new dentist that you get along with and that makes you feel comfortable can be very stressful. You could take a look at the dentist that was voted best dentist 2024, But that still means you have to do your due diligence to make sure that you have the best dentist on your side for your oral health. With that in mind, we've put together some tips to help you to make your search easier and stress free.

1. Understand your plan. Sometimes the choice of dentists that you have is out of your hands. You have to look at your current dental health plan and if that plan is closed network, you might be limited to an in network dentist. You can find an in network dentist easily enough with comparison websites online. If you can choose an out of network dentist and you have the funds to be able to pay for it yourself outside of your insurance, then that's just fine because it gives you a more open choice to choose which one works for you.

2. Get some recommendations from others. You should always ask family, friends and colleagues who their dentist is and whether they are happy with them. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools because you are getting direct experience. You may also wish to ask for a list of local dentists who are members of professional associations and those who have been voted the best dentist this year.

3. Don't forget about accessibility. There is no use in choosing a dentist that is halfway across the country. It's easier to choose a dentist that is close to your work or your house so that you can be flexible when it comes to scheduling your appointments without having to travel a long way. Do you need your dentist to have office hours on a Saturday? Then you need to make sure that you find one who has that kind of availability.

4. Ask questions. When you have a list of dentists in mind, call their office or send an email to get some questions answered. Don't be afraid to ask the questions that matter the most and cross off the practices that don't meet your requirements. For example, if you are very nervous in the dentist chair, then you might ask about sleep sedation. Either way, you need to ask your questions so that you feel comfortable with the dentist that you choose.

5. Evaluate the dentist. Once you've booked your first initial appointment, check the office to make sure it's clean and orderly. Think about how courteous the staff members are, and think about whether or not your information has been handled properly. You should feel comfortable with any dentist that you choose, and if you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to go back.

How to Choose a Dentist