Choosing the best dentist for your dental needs takes time and careful consideration of a number of factors. HealthGrades can help you determine how qualified a dentist is using critical measures such as specialty, board certification, sanction information, and education. Additionally, below are questions you can ask yourself to evaluate your impressions and other questions you may want to ask the dentist and staff.

Is the office location convenient for you?

•  Yes
   No

Is the office location convenient for you?
(If you anticipate frequent visits, location may be particularly important.)

•  Yes
   No

Is the office near public transportation?

•  Yes
   No

Does the office have convenient or affordable parking available?

How available is the dentist?

•  Yes
   No

Is the dentist taking new patients?

•  Yes
   No

Does the dentist make evening or weekend appointments?

•  Solo
   Group

Does the dentist have a solo or group practice? If it’s a group practice:

•  Yes
   No

Can you request to see your dentist?

•  Yes
   No

Do you like and trust the other dental professionals who may be involved in your care?

•  Yes
   No

Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? Is the dentist available in emergency situations?

•  Yes
   No

Is the wait time to make an appointment acceptable?

What is your impression after your initial consultation with the dentist?

•  Yes
   No

Do you and the dentist have compatible communication styles?

•  Yes
   No

Does the dentist and dental staff follow guidelines for infection control? (Are there disposable covers over instruments, trays, dental chair, x-ray machine and other equipment? Are the instruments disposable or removed from sterilized packets? Do the dental professionals wear gloves when handling instruments? Do they wash hands and put on new gloves between patients?)

•  Yes
   No

Are you comfortable with the dentist’s general manner and treatment style?

•  Yes
   No

Does the dentist seem up-to-date on the latest treatment options?

•  Yes
   No

Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Are preventative home care instructions provided?

•  Yes
   No

Is the dentist open to your concerns, questions, and comments?

What other considerations are important to you?

•  Yes
   No

Does the dentist accept your insurance?

•  Yes
   No

Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?

•  Yes
   No

If the dentist is not board certified, is he/she working toward certification?

•  Yes
   No

Are the dentist’s costs comparable to other dentists for the same procedures/visits?

Concerning Specific Dental Conditions

If you have a specific dental condition, symptoms or a family history for a condition, you may want to consider the following.

How many years of experience does the dentist have?

How many times has the dentist performed the procedure or treatment you need?

•  Yes
   No

Is there a dental specialist that would be better suited to treat or care for your condition (e.g., choosing an endodontist to perform a root canal)?

•  Yes
   No

Are you confident about taking the dentist’s advice?

•  Yes
   No

Are you reassured by the dentist’s comments and actions?

Comments or Questions:

Please enter code above in the field below.