Looking For a Dentist? 5 Tips To Find Great Care From the Start

Are you searching for a new dentist in La Porte, but feel unsure of where to begin? Sure, every dental office claims to be the best, but how can you be sure? And since you’ll be seeing your new dentist at least twice a year for routine dental care (and possibly more if you need additional treatment), it’s well worth it to spend some time researching on the front end to make the right choice. So where should you start? First, look at the list below to learn about the 5 things you should look for on a dentist’s website. Then you can either call with further questions or even make an appointment to briefly meet a dentist in person before you schedule your first visit. 

1. Do They Offer Sedation?

Everyone needs dental care to have a healthy smile, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel scared or anxious. Check to see that a dentist offers sedation dentistry (e.g. nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) to help even fearful patients feel comfortable in the dental chair.

2. What Kind of Services Do They Provide?

Your oral health needs will evolve over time. Whereas you may only need preventive care like checkups and cleanings right now, you may need other services down the road like emergency care, cosmetic dentistry, or even dental implants. Check out a dentist’s service menu to see what they offer. If they provide a variety of services, you’ll be able to stay with a team you already know and trust in the event that you need specialty care in the future. 

3. Read Reviews

These days, whether you’re looking for a great place to have dinner or you’d like to know what kind of care a dentist provides, online reviews are a fantastic resource. You’ll get firsthand information about other patients’ experiences and valuable information about what you can expect. And it goes without saying that the more 5-star reviews a dentist has, the better!

4. Will They File Your Insurance Claims? If You’re Uninsured, Do They Offer Financing?

For your convenience, it’s important to double-check that an office will file your insurance claims for you, even if they aren’t in-network with your insurance company. And if you’re uninsured, find out if they offer a financing option like CareCredit that allows you to make monthly payments at little to no interest. 

5. Look For a Clean, Updated Facility

It’s also helpful to look at pictures of the office or even make a quick visit to see it in person. Make sure that it looks clean, neat, and comfortable and check to see if they have updated technology like digital X-rays, which use up to 90% less radiation than traditional. And since you’ll be interacting with everyone from the front desk to the dental assistants, look for a staff that’s friendly and welcoming. 

In the end, spending time to look for a high-quality dentist is well worth it because great dental care means a healthier, happier smile for you! 

About the Author 

Dr. Joseph Ornelas is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist in La Porte and a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He and his colleague, Dr. Daniel Berquist, are both Indiana natives and are dedicated to providing their community with the absolute best in dental care. If you’re looking for a new dentist and have any questions, they can be reached via their website.