| Finding the dentist who is right for you and your family | | | | dynamics, and relevance for particular health needs. |
| is key to establishing and preserving excellent oral | | | | Nevertheless, asking your neighbor for a referral is an |
| health. It's not wise to pick a dentist out of the phone | | | | ideal place to start your search. After all, a fine dentist |
| book or solely based on insurance coverage. Although | | | | will create great word of mouth. |
| the search for the right dentist might take some time | | | | You might also ask for referrals from others who |
| and some effort, the results (better health and | | | | have steered you right in the past. Consider consulting |
| progress toward the perfect smile) make it all | | | | coworkers, cousins, your pastor, your gym workout |
| worthwhile. | | | | buddy, your fellow fire department volunteers, or |
| The best way to find a good, reputable general dentist | | | | anyone whose judgment you trust and who lives or |
| is by referral from a friend or family member. If you're | | | | works within a reasonable distance of the dentist's |
| seeking a specialist, try your family dentist for the best | | | | office. |
| referral. | | | | Finally, surfing the internet will introduce you to a myriad |
| But what if you don't have a regular dentist? Perhaps | | | | of dental sites and directories. These sites offer |
| you've moved recently to a new neighborhood, your | | | | information on various dental procedures as well as |
| prior practitioner has retired, or like many Americans, | | | | lists of local dentists. Remember to examine specific |
| you've simply put off going to the dentist for so long | | | | qualifications like special experience and teaching |
| that you realize you don't have a dentist. | | | | appointments. Don't forget to consider how convenient |
| Of course, it's possible that you don't fall into any of | | | | the dentist's location is to your home or work. When |
| these categories. It's conceivable that you have a | | | | you ask for a referral, ask some or all the following |
| skilled dentist committed to his or her patients and that | | | | questions. . How long have you been treated by Dr. |
| you are delighted with the quality of care he or she | | | | Houston Dentist? . How did you learn about Dr. |
| provides. Of course, in that case, don't recommend | | | | Houston Dentist? . Is insurance coverage your main |
| that you blithely switch practitioners simply for the sake | | | | consideration? . How helpful are the hygienist and other |
| of change. | | | | office personnel? . Why did you change from your |
| Whether you're satisfied with your current dentist, | | | | previous dentist? . How long does it take to get an |
| reading this article should raise some interesting | | | | appointment with Dr. Houston Dentist? . What is Dr. |
| questions for you to consider. You may realize that | | | | Houston Dentist's best quality as a dentist? . What, if |
| your current dentist is the best choice for you. | | | | anything, about Dr. Houston Dentist's practice annoys |
| Conversely, you might decide it's time to do some | | | | you? |
| research and find the dentist who's best equipped to | | | | These questions all call for subjective answers, and |
| help you with your present needs. | | | | that's the point. Your neighbor's criteria might be (and |
| It's important to mention that individual preferences play | | | | probably are) different from yours. For example, |
| a large part in what is, in the end, a personal choice. | | | | insurance coverage may factor heavily in some |
| The dentist who has treated your neighbor for twenty | | | | people's decisions, whereas others might have |
| years and "walks on water" as far as your neighbor is | | | | particular health needs or scheduling needs to consider. |
| concerned might be wrong for you. It isn't necessarily a | | | | Speak with people you trust and you'll quickly see just |
| question of competence, but one of style, interpersonal | | | | how subjective the entire process truly is. |