Advice on Finding a Good Dentist Near You: What to Look For

A good dentist is a dentist who you don’t dread going to see, who makes you feel welcome, and who has the necessary skill, experience, and training to provide excellent outcomes.  So, how do you go about finding a good dentist near your home or work? Here’s some simple advice that will help you find not just a good, but a great dentist.

1.Ask for Referrals

If you’re unhappy with your dentist, or you’ve recently moved to a new area, ask family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues if they like their dentist. More importantly, ask them why they like their dentist. Is the office convenient?  Is the staff friendly and professional? Can you get an appointment when you need it? A referral to a good dentist from someone you know and trust can help immensely.

2.Review Websites

An online search for a good dentist in Manhattan is likely to generate countless results. So, narrow your search, based on what you are looking for in a dentist. Are you looking for routine, traditional dental care, or are you drawn more to providers who take a holistic or integrative approach to dentistry? 

3.Read Online Reviews of Dentists

Online reviews provide a window into how other patients feel about the service, care, and results they receive from a dental practice. So, while you’re reviewing websites, look for a link to online reviews. Good dentists will have excellent reviews, and make it very easy for you to read them from their website. 

4.Confirm Experience and Specializations

With experience comes skill, so finding an experienced dentist can only benefit you as a patient.  Likewise, finding a dentist that has unique areas of focus (cosmetic dentistry, experience in treating TMJ disorders, etc.) can offer you comprehensive care from the same practice, so you don’t have to receive care from multiple providers.

5.Schedule an Appointment

To maintain excellent oral health, and therefore, good overall health, you’ll need to see your dentist at least twice a year for comprehensive oral exams and cleanings. As such, it’s important that you like your dentist. This is particularly true if you’re one of the millions of people in the U.S. who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia.  

The only way to know if a particular dentist is a good fit for your needs and goals is to make an appointment. Patient-centric dental practices will make you feel welcome when you arrive for your appointment and heard when you discuss your oral health concerns. They will never shame or judge you for a lack of prior care, or current oral health conditions. Instead, they will communicate clearly and compassionately as they work with you to improve your oral health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finance my dental care if I don’t have dental insurance?

Yes. Metropolitan Dental Care can offer payment plans if needed.

Does your practice offer evening appointments?

Yes. Metropolitan Dental Care offers evening appointments until 7 pm on Monday and Friday to best serve busy patients. 

Schedule a Dental Consultation on Madison Avenue

Metropolitan Dental Care provides holistic and integrative dentistry near Bryant Park and Grand Central Station. If you’re new to the area, we would love to meet you and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy, and functional smile. Call 212-867-4223 or book your appointment online.