Are you shopping smarter now? There is no need to lower your standards of quality or go without a warm sense of feeling valued as a patient. Value is incredibly important in getting the products and service you need and want in today’s economy. Read below to discover how we have helped hundreds of Coconino and Yavapai County folks just like you cut through all the dental marketing hype to find a dental home where you feel a warm welcome, friendly faces and expert care!

At some time or another you will be faced with looking for a new dentist. Like most people you want to find a dentist that you can trust, who will care for you and your family and has your best interests in mind. Most people don’t know how to go about selecting a dentist, or even realize the problems that can occur if you don’t choose wisely.

• Tip #1 – Check the doctor’s license and credentials. It may sound simplistic but check with the Arizona State Dental Board www.azdentalboard.org for license status and if any disciplinary action has been taken against that dentist.

  Credentials are huge in dentistry! Make sure your dentist is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). As an ADA member, a dentist is part of a professional association whose mission is a commitment to the public’s oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement; leading a unified profession through initiatives in advocacy, education, research and the development of standards. Each ADA member dentist agrees to adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, has the doctor taken advanced training in all aspects of highest level technical Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry including differential diagnosis and treatment of facial pain as well as case planning and treatment of complex restorative cases, including severe wear?

• Tip #2 – Can you furnish me with references? Go to review websites such as Google to read reviews concerning the dentist in consideration.

• TIP #3 – Not asking for verification of diagnosis. It is critical that you find a dentist that has digital x-rays that you can see on the computer screen. Most dentists with integrity will show you your x-rays but sometimes, even better, a great dentist will show you an intra-oral camera picture of your teeth so you will know exactly what the doctor sees in your mouth. Seeing this opens great communication about your condition, your options and allows you to be a part of deciding your dental treatment!

• Tip #4 – Visit the office or take advantage of a free consultation! Come visit or better yet take advantage of a free consultation. Look for a courteous staff and doctor that listens and take the time to answer your questions.

• Tip #5 – Ask the right questions. This is a big one since most patients don’t know the critical questions to ask! Ask about infection control! (Especially with the H1N1 spreading) Does the office follow the recently updated CDC guidelines? Do they participate in a program to monthly monitor the effectiveness of their sterilizers? Ask about staff training! Are the dental assistants and hygienist current with CPR, nitrous oxide monitoring and x-ray technique? Ask about insurance! Does the office in consideration help you file your insurance and make every effort to be up front and answer your questions regarding scheduling and billing? Does the office have a payment plan in place?

• Tip #6 – Observe the chair side manner of the doctor/hygienist. Does your doctor/hygienist take time to listen to you, make eye contact and have a sympathetic, caring manner? What about personality? Going to the dentist is stressful enough; you want someone who is warm, friendly, has a great sense of humor and that puts you at ease! You want an office you can connect with and feel at home.

Now that we have given you the insider information on how to find the right dentist for you and your family, it is time for you to take action. Please don’t delay dental care! We want you to be healthy, happy about your smile and pain free for life!