I need a New Dentist! What Should I Look for in a Dental Office?

Healthy living means healthy choices. It means choosing exercise over Netflix, fruits and veggies over cheeseburgers, family time over screen time, and dental care over neglect. These don’t have to be hard choices, either, especially when you have the information you need to make an informed decision. With that in mind, Smile On Dental has a few simple tips to help you choose the right Chicago dental office. You start this process the same way you’d start any other big decision: with research and asking the right questions.

What’s Your Reputation?

If we’re being honest, we don’t know many professionals in any field who’d tell you their clients dislike them. The key here, then, is doing some outside research. Check dental office reviews, read the practice’s testimonials, and research the practitioner’s credentials. It also helps to ask friends and family, especially if their needs and concerns align with yours. New in town, or planning a move? See if your current dentist can make a recommendation.

Do You Offer What I Need?

If you’re just visiting for routine cleanings twice a year, your needs will be different from a parent of three who knows their kids are going to need braces, or someone who sees prosthodontics in their future. Look at your needs both short and long-term, and make sure the dental office you choose will suit your needs over time since you won’t want to repeat this process and rebuild these relationships every couple of years.

How’s the Office?

Find out the hours kept by the practice and make sure they’re compatible with your schedule. Drop by unannounced to see how the office looks. Is it clean and inviting? Are there several people waiting? Are the office staff friendly and helpful?

What If I Need Something More?

Some patients come with special needs and requests. These may include the need for sedation dentistry, or availability off-hours for dental emergencies (those of us with kids can relate). Patients with specialized dental needs, disabilities, or special needs kids will each bring concerns of their own to the table. Think about any needs or requests you may have, and be sure to ask about them!

What’s Your Style?

Bedside manner isn’t just for general practitioners and surgeons. Your dentist’s personality should be the right fit for you. Take some time to chat with your dentist. She (or he) should be willing to answer your questions, understand your needs, and tailor their care accordingly.

Do You Accept My Insurance?

There’s a wide variety of dental plan coverage, and not all practices accept all plans. Make sure yours is one of them by checking, then double-checking, with both your insurer and your dentist. We can’t possibly anticipate or answer every question you have in the course of a single blog post, of course. So if you’re looking for the perfect Chicago dental practice, we invite you to call  773-525-5545 or visit Smile On Dental at 1350 W. Belmont Ave. #1 in Chicago. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help!