Unfortunately, finding the right dentist can turn into a highly overwhelming and stressful task… because if you’re not happy with your dentist’s approach and style, then each visit will be far more difficult and stressful than it truly needs to be.

Luckily, finding the right dentist really doesn’t have to be a difficult task… if you’ve got the appropriate help, and learn what to look for. Here is a short and helpful overview of great advice to help you find a Boston dentist that matches your style and is best for you.

First, you likely should decide what your biggest priorities are, when it comes to choosing a dentist:
- how close your dentist is to your home or workplace…
- the hours your dental office is open…
- whether the dentist offers the most current dentistry procedures and technologies…
- financial considerations such as insurance coverage, payment terms, and so on…
- how comfortable you are with the dentist and the dental staff…
- etc.

For example, if the location of your dentist and dental office hours are most important to you… then you would want to choose a dentist close to your home (or where you work) who can see you at your convenience, whether that is early morning, over your lunch break, or sometime during the evening hours. On the other hand, if dental procedures absolutely terrify you, then you may be more willing to travel greater distances to a dentist who helps make you feel comfortable and who can help alleviate your phobias.

Choosing the right dentist that works for you and your family is a huge decision that will have a huge effect on the oral health of both you and your dependents. Happily, this potentially daunting process can be made significantly easier, if you can prioritize those factors most important for you.

And in the following article, we’ll address some of the helpful questions you can ask a dentist, before you actually make your decision about which dentist to select.

• Let the dentist know about any specific needs you have, and the services you require.
• What hours is the dentist available? …and how are dental emergencies handled outside those hours?
• What’s the dentist’s policy about canceling appointments or missing an appointment?
• Does the dentist suggest several treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and drawbacks so that you can make informed decisions?
• What fees are charged for routine services such as dental x-rays, fillings, root canals, sealants or fluoride (for children), tooth cleaning, bridges, caps and crowns?
• When will payment become due? Some dentists might provide the option to create payment terms when the charges will be greater than a specific amount, so that your dental payments can be spread over a period of time instead of having to pay in one lump sum. While it may be tempting to use a credit card to charge your dental bills, the interest costs can become an even greater financial burden down the road… particularly if you already have cashflow concerns.
• If you are covered by dental insurance, does the dentist participate in your dental plan? Otherwise, will you need to submit claim forms to your insurance company before you get your money back?
• Ask the dentist to explain the overall goals of treatment. Ideally, he or she should be committed to both your appearance and your overall health. If one or the other doesn’t appear to matter, you might want to consider looking for another dentist.

In the US and Canada, dentists typically place emphasis on dental practices and services which prevent dental problems or which permit their early detection. For instance, dentists will recommend teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a regular basis (typically twice a year); and x-rays be made of teeth for early detection of caries (cavities), infections, or gum disease (the frequency depends on your individual health needs). If signs of dental decay are discovered during an exam, most dentists will recommend that any problems be fixed without delay rather than holding off with treatment. Again, dentists stress treating the problems early to prevent further oral decay.

As a dental patient, you have the right to attentive and cordial care; to be informed about the dental treatments to be used, the expected pros and cons of all treatment options; and to be given an estimate of costs of each option.

Feel free to ask your dentist questions if you need more information and to ask a second time if you do not understand the explanation you were offered. The same as with medical care, you and your dentist share the responsibility in making decisions about your dental treatment options and your oral health.

If you are not satisfied with the dental care you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can certainly express your concerns to the dentist; call your state or local dental association; or contact your insurance office to discuss the matter. Remember, you also could always look for a different dentist to ensure your teeth remain healthy.

As the acclaimed Mayo Clinic states: “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn’t just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body.”

Please don’t take your oral health for granted.

Cosmetic dentistry covers aesthetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, Invisalign braces, porcelain veneers, contouring and bonding, and dental implants — in short, a smile makeover.

Restorative dentistry procedures include treatment of advanced gum disease, crowns and bridges, TMJ (TemporoMandibular Joint — a disorder of the jaw joints or the muscles that control the joints), dentures, etc.