If you’re trying to find a new dentist, I can imagine how challenging that must be. Matthews has several practices, but there are even more in the surrounding area. That said, if you need help finding a provider you can trust, there are three things I think you should remember. Here is what I believe can help you make a choice you won’t regret.
Qualifications & Training
The baseline education for a dentist is four years of undergraduate school, four years of dental school, passing state-mandated exams, and keeping up with continuing education hours. Though what exactly is needed varies by state, this is what a provider needs to gain their license and continue practicing in the U.S.
This is the bare minimum, but many offices want to stand out, so their team has undergone advanced training and certifications. By keeping an eye out for anything extra a practice has done, you can understand which specialized treatments they offer. This can then turn into their experience and how often they perform them.
What Treatments Are Offered
Building off the above, every dentist can do checkups, cleanings, and preventive care, but not every provider can do services like dental implants. If you have an idea of what kind of procedures you’re interested in, like tooth replacements, finding out if they are offered in-house or require a referral can help you avoid surprises. For instance, my team and I offer dental implants and can complete the entire process in-house.
Patient Reviews
When you find a dentist that sounds good on paper, it’s time to look at online reviews. Google and other sites can give you patient accounts and how their experience was. You can begin to paint a picture in your head without actually having a visit yourself. Keep in mind not to stick to one- or five-star ratings. Take time to see which ones give detailed feedback.
This is also a great time to look at what languages a provider speaks. That way, you can have a comfortable time conversing and feel confident you won’t miss anything.
While it may still take some time to find a dentist you trust, keeping these three things in mind can help you weed out practices that aren’t a good fit. After all, you don’t deserve to settle. You should find a practice that you feel comfortable enough to call home.
About the Author
Dr. Abdel More Duarte earned his first dental degree from the University of Medical Sciences in Cuba and his second from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has over two decades of experience that he uses to give patients in Matthews the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. More is proud to offer a wide range of treatments; that way, you get a stronger smile with effective solutions. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 704-844-0556.