Are you looking for a dentist in Savannah, Georgia or the surrounding area? Whether you are new to the area or you just need a change, looking for a new dentist may seem overwhelming. With so many dentists to choose from, how do you decide where to go?

Finding a new dentist doesn’t have to be difficult. It helps to know where to start and what to look for. Consider these tips on how to find the best dentist in your area. 

Ask for Recommendations

Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and other health professionals. Ask the person making the recommendation what they like about their dentist and why they would recommend them. It helps to know what you’re looking for in a dentist in the first place so that you can listen for the specific criteria you have. Compile a short list of potential dentists to start with and then move on to the following steps. 

Confirm Qualifications and Credentials

Do some research to determine what qualifications and credentials a dentist has. You can usually find this information on their website. Look for their educational background and license. If this information is not readily available, contact the dental office and request it. Any professional dental office should easily be able to provide proof of the qualifications of the dentist as well as other members of the dental team who will be providing your care.

Look for Experience

Another key quality in a dentist is experience. Find out how long the dentist has been practicing and how long their current practice has been in operation. Experience means that you can expect a higher level of care than you might get at a new practice with an inexperienced dentist and staff. If you can’t find this information online, contact the dental office to ask. It is always better to know for sure than to take a chance or ignore this highly important piece of information about a potential dentist. 

Read Reviews from Patients

Read patient reviews online, not just the ones the dental practice puts on their website. Take the time to read a range of reviews. If there are negative reviews, don’t immediately cross the dentist off your list. Look at the reason for the negative reviews. What may have bothered one patient may not be an issue for you. Also pay attention to the manner in which the negative reviews or conflicts were resolved, which speaks volumes to the level of customer service and care you may receive. 

Consider Your Insurance 

Insurance providers and dental practices are sometimes in-network with each other. This means that the insurance company and the dentist have negotiated the pricing of dental services ahead of time. You will likely pay less out of pocket if you go to a dentist who is in-network with your insurance provider. If a dentist is not in-network, they may still accept your insurance. This means they will bill your insurance company for the services they provide to you, your insurance company pays the amount or percentage according to your plan, and you are responsible for the remaining balance. 

Look for a Dentist That Meets Your Needs

Do you need a dentist for the whole family or just yourself? If you have children and you want to be able to take everyone to the same place, look for a family dentist who sees patients of all ages. Some dentists are specifically pediatric and others only see adults. Make sure to find a dentist who accommodates your needs as an individual and a family. 

Savannah Dental Solutions Provides Comprehensive Dental Care

Now that you know how to find the best dentist in your area, you can find all the above criteria and more at Savannah Dental Solutions. We provide a complete range of dental services to patients of all ages. We welcome families with children as well as adults. We accept most dental insurance providers and offer a wide range of payment and financing options to make your care affordable. 

Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.