There are less than 200,000 active dentists in the whole country.
This statistic should tell you just how hard it is to find a good dentist.
When choosing a dentist, you’re looking for much more than someone to inspect and clean your teeth. You’re looking for a trusted oral healthcare partner who’ll handle all your dental care needs.
Since the relationship between you and your dentist will be long-term, you’ll want to choose a professional you’re comfortable with. That way, it’ll be easier to drop in for regular check-ups and dental emergencies.
But with James Island town full of all kinds of dental care experts, it can be hard to choose.
So, how do you narrow down to the best dentist for your needs?
Read on to find out.
Finding the Best Dentist in James Island, SC
Here are ten factors to consider when choosing a dentist:
1. Location
Perhaps the most important question you can ask yourself when looking for a dentist is, “who’s the best dentist near me?”
Working with a dentist who practices near your home or workplace makes it easier to go for regular check-ups and consultations.
Always check the main location of your prospective dentists. Also, ask about their office hours to ensure that they fit into your schedule.
2. Specialty
Dentists have different specializations, and each practitioner can only handle issues that are within their area of specialty.
For instance, a general dentist might not be able to perform procedures that may need taking and interpreting X-rays. For such procedures, you’ll need an oral and maxillofacial radiologist. Similarly, a cosmetic dentist might not be adept at diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases that affect gums and dental pulp. That’s the work of an endodontist.
With this in mind, you need to let your dental care needs guide your choice.
If you’re looking for a family dentist, consider dentists who not only treat adults but also have experience in pediatric dentistry. This will provide you with a one-stop solution for all your family’s oral healthcare needs.
It’ll also help your kids develop a positive attitude toward dentists, which is important for their oral well-being in the long run.
3. Technology
Over the years, there has been an influx of new digital technologies in dentistry. This is especially true for dental X-rays, which are critical in the detection of major dental complications.
In large intensive doses, X-ray radiation can cause cancer. But with digital X-ray technologies, radiation exposure is reduced significantly.
The problem is, not all clinics use the latest technology. Some are still stuck with old tech. This is why you need to find out whether a prospective dentist uses up-to-date technology and techniques before you make a choice.
4. Insurance
If you have dental insurance, you need to verify that your prospective dentist accepts it. Consult with the office staff and ask how much the consultations, check-ups, and procedures may cost under your coverage.
With that information, choose a practitioner who’ll allow you to take full advantage of your coverage.
5. Before and After Pictures
Almost every dentist keeps a gallery of their past patients on their website. Quite often, this includes pictures of patients’ teeth before and after a particular procedure or treatment.
Going through such pictures can be helpful, especially for cosmetic dental needs. It gives you an idea of what to expect from a particular dentist in terms of quality. It also helps you evaluate your dental cosmetic options before making a choice.
6. Emergency Care
Some dental complications, such as toothaches, can strike at the most inconvenient times. In such cases, you’ll need a practitioner who can respond to emergencies during odd hours.
Before you settle on a particular dentist, find out what type of recourse they have in place for emergency calls. Some dentists offer flexible weekend and after-hour appointments, so be sure to ask about that.
7. Ongoing Training and Education
In an industry that keeps changing every decade, dental professionals need to update their skillset to keep up with the competition. Ongoing training and education allow dentists to keep up with advances in administrative and clinical technology so they can deliver quality dental care.
Ensure the dentist you’re considering has enlisted for at least one new ongoing education and training programs. You can do this by asking for relevant certifications.
8. Patient Comfort Services
Patient anxiety is common in dentistry. If you’re an anxious patient, consider dentists who offer patient comfort services.
The most common patient comfort services include nitrous oxide treatments and premeditations. Some practitioners go as far as offering aromatherapy and massages.
Feel free to ask about the type of patient comforts a potential dentist offers during your first consultation.
9. Dentist Reviews
Reading what other people think of the dentist you’re considering can give you a hint of their skillsets and knowledge. It can also give you insights on their shortcomings, which is why you need to read both negative and positive reviews.
Generally, satisfaction surveys ask past patients to give their opinion on scheduling appointments, waiting times, customer care, and the general office environment.
These opinions will give you an idea of how much time the dentist in question spends with their patients, how they respond to patient questions, and how much other people trust them.
You can find patient reviews on all dental clinics in James Island on Angie’s List and Yelp website.
10. Cost
Charges for dental care services vary from one practitioner to another, mostly due to factors such as operational costs and the type of treatment.
To choose the most cost-effective option, ask for estimates from all the dentists you’re considering. Compare their quotes, taking into consideration all the other factors discussed above.
With this in mind, choose the option that gives you the best value for your money.
The Best Dentist Near Me
If you’re looking a professional, patient-centered dentist in James Island, your search ends at Three Trees Dental.
Our dental experts use the latest technology and advanced procedures to give you a smile you can be proud of. Our specialties include general dental care, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative treatments.
Contact us today to work with the best dentist in James Island.