How To Find The Best Dentist Near Me: A Simple Guide

For most people, choosing a new dentist’s office can feel overwhelming.

Whether you’ve just moved, changed jobs, or simply need a fresh start, it’s important to find a dentist who understands your oral health needs.

But with so many options, how do you know where to begin?

Dr. Brad HylanThis link leads to Doctor’s page will walk you through the steps of finding a good dentist who meets your dental health needs.

What to look for in a new dentist

Several key factors must be considered when searching for a new dental provider.

Here are some tips to help guide your search:

Sterilization practices: The non-negotiable

Before we get anywhere near looking at dental treatments, one of the main concerns that should always be at the top of your list is sterilization practices.

Sterilization is a big deal when it comes to oral health, as what happens in your mouth can affect your overall health.

A good dentist will ensure that all tools, especially burs and root canal files, are used once and thrown away.

Burs are small tools that remove decay, and using them more than once—even if sterilized—can risk cross-contamination.

The same goes for root canal files.

Most dentists use an autoclave, a machine that sterilizes instruments.

Ask if your current or potential dentist does a “Spore Test” on their autoclave weekly. The best dentists will use this specific procedure to monitor whether the sterilization process is working correctly.

The American Dental Association (ADAThis link opens a new tab to the ADA website) covers this issue and strongly advises following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCThis link opens a new tab to the CDC website) guidelinesThis link opens a new tab to the CDC website for sterilization within a dental office.

You can tell a lot from a dentist’s approach to sterilization issues.

Watch our short video about the three important questions to ask your dentist.

Does the dentist accept insurance?

Not all dental offices accept insuranceThis link leads to the Insurance and Financing section of the New Patients page, and those that do might not accept your specific type.

When you’re looking for dental services, ask if the dentist’s office accepts your insurance plan.

It’s important to know whether your dental care will be covered.

Is the dentist in your network?

Check if the dentist is in your network if you’re using dental insurance.

Dentists in-network have agreed to provide dental treatment at lower rates. This could save you money on regular checkups and any necessary procedures.

If you find a dentist who is out of network but you love their services, you’ll have to weigh the extra cost versus staying with your current provider.

You also want to ask, do they offer payment plans?

How to spot a bad dentist when searching for the best dentist near you

Finding the best dentist for your dental health needs is essential, but how do you know if a dentist is not the right fit?

While it’s hard to evaluate the quality of dental work if you’re not a dentist, there are a few red flags you can watch out for during your search.

1. Is the office messy?

• Even if a dental office is older, it should still be neat and clean.
• A messy or disorganized office could indicate poor hygiene or carelessness.
• If the waiting area or exam rooms look untidy, it may reflect how the dentist manages their practice and patient care.
• A clean environment is crucial for ensuring good dental health and proper sterilization.

2. How does the dentist talk to their staff?

• Pay attention to how the dentist interacts with their team.
• If the dentist speaks rudely or disrespectfully to the staff, it’s a red flag.
• A good dentist should work well with their team and treat everyone with respect.
• A dentist who creates a positive environment will likely be more focused on providing good patient care.

3. Do you feel criticized or judged?

• It might seem surprising, but some dentists or their staff might criticize patients about the condition of their teeth or make them feel judged.
• This can create an uncomfortable experience. A good dentist should help you feel supported and offer solutions without making you feel bad about your dental health.
• Remember, their job is to improve your smile, not make you feel guilty about it.

4. Does the dentist offer options without pressure?

• A good dentist will offer you treatment options and let you make informed decisions about your dental care.
• Be cautious if you feel pressured into treatments you’re uncomfortable with or if the dentist doesn’t take the time to explain your options.
• You should feel empowered to ask questions and take the time to choose the best course of action for your oral health.

5. Is the dentist impatient or defensive?

• If the dentist seems impatient or gets defensive when you ask questions, this could be another warning sign.
• You should feel comfortable asking about treatments, costs, or any concerns.
• A good dentist will listen to you, answer your questions, and ensure you’re confident in the care you receive.

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can avoid bad experiences and find a dentist who provides the best care for you and your family.

Different types of dentists: What do you need?

Knowing what type of dental work you need can help you find the right dentist.

Are you looking for someone to handle regular checkups, or do you need a dentist who offers specialized services like cosmetic procedures or emergency care?

Watch our short video about comprehensive dentistry.

General dentists vs. specialists

A general dentist can handle most routine dental services, like X-rays, cleanings, fillings, and checkups.

However, if you need more complex procedures, such as dental implants or orthodontic work, you might be referred to a specialist.

• Family dentist: Often provides care for all ages, including children and adults.
• Cosmetic dentist: Focuses on the appearance of your teeth, offering treatments like veneers and teeth whitening.
• Specialists: These include endodontists (root canal specialists), oral surgeons (for surgeries like wisdom teeth removal), and orthodontists (for braces and aligners).

If unsure, you can always schedule a consultation or a “Meet & Greet” with a potential new dentist.

This gives you the chance to ask questions and determine whether the dentist is a good fit for your oral health needs.

Dental emergencies: Are they covered?

If you experience a dental emergencyThis link leads to the Emergency Dentistry page, it’s important to know how your dentist handles urgent situations.

Not all practices offer same-day emergency appointments, so ask about their policy.

A dentist who can quickly handle a dental emergency will be a significant asset when something happens unexpectedly.

Watch our short video about when to see your dentist.

Questions to ask a potential dentist

When considering a new dentist, asking the right questions is key. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Sterilization practices: Ask how they sterilize their instruments and if they use single-use burs and root canal files.
2. Insurance acceptance: Do they accept your insurance, and are they in-network?
3. Emergency services: How do they handle dental emergencies? Can you be seen the same day if needed?
4. Experience: What types of dental services do they specialize in? Do they refer to specialists for more complex procedures?
5. Office environment: Is the office clean and organized? A neat office reflects a well-run practice.

Finding the best dentist for you

Looking for a good dentist doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Start by asking friends and family members, or seek advice from trusted professionals like your physician or pharmacist for recommendations.

You can also search databases like the American Dental Association (ADAThis link opens a new tab to the ADA website) or contact your local dental society.

Make sure to check state licensing and board certifications for any dentist you’re considering.

Don’t settle for “okay” when it comes to your dental care. You want a dentist who cares about your dental health and makes you feel comfortable and informed during your visits so that you know what to expect.

For example, at Hylan Dental CareThis link leads to Home page we have the “10-Point Hylan ExamThis link leads to the Difference page” to ensure a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Hylan recommends every patient read this.

Your dental health matters

Finding the right dentist is an important part of maintaining good dental health.

By asking the right questions either by phone or when you visit, considering your dental care needs, and doing a bit of research, you can find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and provides quality care.

It is in the best interests of your family to find the right dental home. From a simple dental cleaning to fixing a cavity, your overall health is the most important thing.

Remember to look for sterilization practices, insurance acceptance, and how the dentist handles dental emergencies. With the right dentist, you’ll feel confident in your smile and oral health.

So take your time, ask around, and choose a dentist who’s a perfect fit for you.

Or:

• Call us at: 440-546-9968This link opens an application to make a phonecall
• Email us at: [email protected]This link opens an application to send an email

We have offices in Cleveland, Fairview Park, and Brecksville, Ohio, and we welcome patients from all surrounding neighborhoods.