Choosing a dentist can be a difficult decision, especially now with so many dentists closing or switching over to private. You want your dentist to be reliable and professional, but when you’re looking for a new dentist, you can’t exactly have a trial treatment to see if they’re right! It’s also important not to settle for the first dentist that you find.
Whether you’re looking for a new general dentist for fillings and checkups, or are in search of teeth whitening treatment from a cosmetic dentist, there are many things to consider when choosing the right dentist, so let’s take a look at 3 tips for finding your next dentist!
Start With The Basics
No matter what type of dentist you are looking for, it’s important to first start with the basics. First, check which dentists closest to you are taking on new patients, as at the moment, people are struggling to find dentists which are accepting new NHS patients.
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dental clinic, then these are usually receptive to taking on new patients. Once you’ve found a dentist that is taking on new patients, take a closer look into the practice to see if they are offering the treatment or treatments in which you are interested. With cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to look closer into the credentials that the dentists have and whether they are qualified to provide the treatment you are looking for.
Once you’re happy with the dental practice and the treatments they are offering, take a look at their reviews and social media feeds so that you can more of a feel for the practice.
Check Insurance and Payment Plans
Before signing up to be a new patient with your dentist, it’s best to check their pricing structure and if they have any payment or subscription plans available which can help break down the cost of your treatment. It’s no good signing up to be a new patient when you can’t afford the treatment!
If you have a dental insurance plan, check with your potential new dentist as to whether they accept it or not, as some dentists don’t accept certain types of insurance. Some cosmetic dentists won’t accept dental insurance as some treatments aren’t eligible. It’s always best to check before you sign up!
Remember You’re Not Restricted By Location
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to visit a dentist close to your home. Unlike when you register for a GP, location restrictions don’t apply when you’re looking for a new dentist. This means that you can choose a dental practice depending on what it is you’re looking for. A lot of patients don’t realise this when applying for a new dentist, with many assuming that they’re restricted to their local dentist only.
However, you will still want to choose a dentist that is convenient for you to get to, especially in the case of a dental emergency. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist, then location isn’t as important, as appointments will likely be less frequent. This means that if you’re in Manchester, for example, and you find a cosmetic dentist in Wakefield which you really like the look of, don’t be put off by the distance!