About 95 percent of Americans believe that their oral health is a critical part of their overall well-being. But despite this collective attitude, nearly one-third of U.S. adults go without dental care. This puts them at risk of developing severe dental problems.
Visiting your dentist is essential if you are looking to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. But with so many dentists in Los Angeles, it can be challenging to find the right practitioner to cater to your dental needs. When you choose a dentist, you need to be careful since you’re picking someone who will oversee your complete oral health.
To help you make the right choice below is a guide on how to choose the best dentist in Los Angeles.
Look for Referrals and Reviews
Start by creating a list of potential dentists in West LA. To do this, ask your friends, family, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. After coming up with your list, take the time to research each dentist so you can narrow down your list.
Online reviews can help you take some dentists off your list. These reviews usually reflect people’s experience with scheduling appointments, office environment, wait times, staff professionalism, and quality of service. Reading what past patients have to say about a dentist will help you gain insight into how the dentist operates.
From the reviews, you can choose the Los Angeles dentist that seems to have a good track record. You can also call each dentist on your list and schedule an appointment to meet and interview them.
Consider the Dentist’s Credentials and Experience
Working with an unqualified dentist is not only costly but can also be detrimental to your health. This is why you need to evaluate a dentist’s depth of knowledge and experience and knowledge before choosing them.
When vetting a dentist in Brentwood, CA, ask for their board of certification. It will tell you if the dentist has the necessary training, skills, and experience to practice dentistry. Ensure your dentist has the proper state or regional clinical licensing.
Apart from their credentials, consider the dentist’s experience. The more experience your dentist has, the better your results are likely to be. However, this doesn’t mean you should dismiss dentists that are just starting out. Instead, you should pay attention to how they handle your case.
If you need a specific dental procedure, remember to ask the dentist how many of the procedures have they performed successfully. Also, confirm the dentist you want to work with has no history of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.
Check the Dental Services Offered
Since there are various dental services and specialties, you need to ensure that the dentist you choose can handle your specific dental issues. Some dentists may specialize in general dentistry and others in pediatric or cosmetic dentistry.
This is why you should shop for a dentist that meets your needs. For example, if you need a smile makeover, you should look for a cosmetic dentist in Brentwood, CA. Ask the dentist you’re interviewing if they have limits on which patients they’ll see.
Depending on your oral health, you may need a wide variety of dental procedures performed. You don’t want to have to juggle several dentists. Instead, look for a dentist who offers a wide variety of services. Family dental services, cosmetic services, restorative services, and emergency dental care should be among the major services offered.
Research the Dentist’s Financing Options
Visiting a dentist can be an overwhelming experience, and wondering how you will pay for the services can make it worse. This is why you need to research the financing options a dentist offers before you choose to work with them. Here are some of the important questions you can ask regarding financing:
Do They Take Dental Insurance?
While most dentists in Los Angeles take dental insurance, there are many that only accept specific types of insurance or have procedures that aren’t covered. This is why it is important during your search to ask the dentist if they accept your insurance and what dental treatments are covered under your plan.
Do They Have Payment Plans?
If you don’t have insurance, it can be hard to pay for dental services. It may be beneficial for you to confirm if your dentist offers a payment plan to make paying for your dental needs much easier.
Consider the Location
When choosing a dentist, one of the factors to keep in mind is your location and the proximity of the dental office. If you choose a dentist that is too far away from home, you’re more likely to miss appointments or the needed care during emergencies. What’s more, it can be costly.
Opting for a local dentist can make your life a lot easier. You can easily get to them for any dental emergencies. It also allows you to have a more close-knit relationship with your dentist. You can also spend less on transportation costs, allowing you to save money.
Qualities of a Good Dentist
Are you scheduling a consultation to interview a dentist in Los Angeles? Here are some qualities to look for:
- Communicative: Your dentist should listen to your dental needs and also ask the necessary questions, regarding your health
- Detail Oriented: Your dentist should pay attention to detail
- Caring and Compassionate: A good dentist should make you comfortable before and during treatment, especially if you have dental anxiety
- Patient: Even if they have a lot of patients, a good dentist should never rush your consultations or treatments.
- Polite: Your dentist should never be rude to you
- Trustworthy: A good dentist should be transparent, honest about pricing, and be reliable in offering quality service
Work with the Best Dentist in Los Angeles
Are you looking for the best dentist in Los Angeles? Look no further than Brentwood Dental Spa!
Our dentists are highly-trained and experienced to offer a variety of dental services that can help you achieve a beautiful, self-confident smile. Contact us to book an appointment.