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