Find a Dentist for a Dental Checkup

Strong oral hygiene habits are not a substitute for having regular check-ups and cleanings by a dentist. It is important to find a dentist who focuses on oral health and general dentistry when looking to make a dental check-up. By scheduling routine cleanings, concerns with cavities and gum disease will not go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Strategies to pick a good dentist

Rather than spending hours hunting for a dentist, there are several ways you can streamline the search. These four ideas are some of the easiest to do.

Take advice from a healthcare professional

While dental credentials are not the same as primary medical care, it is common for members of the local medical community to know one another. Though the manner, personality, and location of a referral may not be right for every individual, a professional opinion is a good start when trying to find a dentist. Consider asking the local pharmacist or personal doctor for a referral on where to schedule a dental check-up.

Reach out to friends and family

Friends and family are often the first places to start when looking for recommendations for healthcare providers. Though dental check-ups, regardless of the practice or provider, tend to include the same general services, be prepared for a variety of opinions. The relationship between a patient and dentist should be built on trust and respect, and one poor experience may tarnish that relationship. Take each story or experience into consideration, but do not count out a dentist on one incident alone.

Check on public online opinions

Social media and the internet are some of the more popular ways people nowadays narrow down a new dental care provider. In addition to reading a biography of the dentist or seeing pictures of the office, it is possible to find out what the general public feels about a particular provider. Reading through the review of current or former patients or checking on the ratings for the practice brings more information to light than a singular experience of a family member.

Call and ask questions

Patients have a personal responsibility to conduct good research and ask a lot of questions before choosing a dentist for a routine check-up. Referrals and opinions can narrow down the list, but asking questions can gain the reassurance needed to make a final decision. When choosing a dentist, consider the following questions:

  • Does the provider accept dental insurance?
  • How close is the location to the patient’s work or home?
  • Do the office hours limit scheduling an appointment so time off work is required?
  • What is the general approach to preventive dentistry?
  • How are after-hour emergencies handled?
  • Is there a cost sheet for common procedures that can be reviewed?

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Bakersfield, CA

Conclusion

As with any healthcare provider, it takes time to get to know a dentist and the services offered. Being thorough in the initial efforts to find a dentist leads to a more positive relationship and comfortable experience when scheduling a routine check-up.

Request an appointment or call Brimhall Dental Group at 661-249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

Recent Posts

Useful Questions For Finding A Dentist Near Me

“How do I find a dentist near me?” remains one of the most common questions, especially if you have recently moved to the neighborhood. Read on to learn more. You need to find the right dentist to handle your dental needs. The process means asking the right questions to find the right fit for you.Here…

Find A Dentist Who Works With Your Schedule

Maintaining good overall health includes taking care of the teeth, but many people may find it difficult to find a dentist whose office hours and available services match a busy lifestyle. This is a common problem; however, those who work long hours, care for children full time, and have many daily commitments can still take…

3 Questions To Ask When Trying To Find A Dentist

When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can help narrow down the search and match the patient to the right provider. You may be searching for a new dentist in the same town, or perhaps there is an urgent need to find a dentist after a move to…

Brimhall Dental Group

Share
Published by
Brimhall Dental Group

Recent Posts

3 CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea

Here, we answer frequently asked questions that patients have about CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea.

7 days ago

When Should I Visit My Dentist for Denture Care?

Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require regular denture…

1 week ago

Denture Care: How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?

If you are new to the denture world, you may be curious about denture care…

2 weeks ago

3 Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Whatever treatment option you choose, the end goal is straightening your teeth and improving your…

3 weeks ago

How to Properly Care for Your Dentures

When you have dentures, you must remember this, proper denture care starts with treating your…

3 weeks ago

Denture Care: How Long Should You Keep New Dentures In?

One of the most common questions that dentists receive about denture care from new denture…

4 weeks ago