Our teeth are some of our most important assets — if we damage them or trust them with the wrong person, we could end up with a painful and expensive problem that will plague us for the rest of our lives. Choosing the right dentist will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for as long as possible, minimizing the chances of you facing a bad experience.

If you're wondering what to look for in dentists or how to find the right person and business to work with, we've got you covered — we'll outline everything you need to know in this quick guide.

Turn to your network

There's only so much you can learn from browsing a dentist's marketing materials or asking them questions. The best way to determine if a dentist is worth their salt is through experience. And while it may not be practical to test out multiple dentists yourself, there's one thing you can do: Ask your friends and family for their recommendations.

This is already proven to be one of the reference points people trust the most for a purchasing decision. Why should dentistry be any different?

Research online

In some cases, you may not have anyone you can ask for recommendations. Perhaps you've just moved to a new city where you don't have any family and friends, or the people you know don't see a dentist regularly. In that case, it's still possible to shortlist a few candidates — you'll just have to go online for your research instead.

The American Dental Association (ADA) website outlines where dentists studied and if they're members of the association so you can see if you're working with a credible professional.

You can also find reviews from current or past patients on Google Maps, Yelp, or other websites. These might not be quite as trustworthy a source as a family member or friend — especially since some practices secure fake reviews — but they're worth a look if you read them cautiously. Look out for negative reviews instead of only paying attention to the positive ones since unhappy customers often turn to reviews sites, and watch how the practice responds to criticism. Do they give a courteous reply and remain professional, or do they give a rude response (or ignore the review altogether)?

It's also worth taking a close look at any images posted online of a dentist's physical premises. Does it look clean, neat, and hygienic? Modern and up-to-date? If not, you may want to stay clear.

Consider your needs and expectations

All dental patients share some of the same needs — everyone wants a qualified, reliable practitioner. But there are also areas when one person's needs may differ from those of someone else.

For one, there's your chosen payment option. If you want to use insurance to cover your treatment, you'll need to check if the practice is part of your dental insurance networks. The dentist's office manager should be able to confirm this with you.

If you plan to use a payment plan, it's crucial to check what a dentist offers beforehand. Some may offer 0% interest initiatives, while others charge significant premiums for using a plan — comparing them may be crucial in determining which provider you choose.

Another consideration is a dentist's policy for after-hours treatment in the case of emergencies. Will there be any way for you to contact them (such as through an answering service) or to get treatment from a partner if they're not working? Some dentists have more provisions than others, so it's best not to assume they'll be able to cater to you in all circumstances.

Similarly, check how they deal with disruptions that affect their usual schedule.

And don't forget to consider practical elements such as:

• Location

• Operating hours

• Treatments available

Signs of a good dentist

Now we've outlined some of the main tactics you can apply to find the right dentist, you can go ahead and start making some phone calls and appointments. Then, it's crucial to assess your dentist to determine if you want to stick with them for important treatments or look for an alternative.

Here are a few signs to look out for that show your dentist is a winner.

Transparency over up selling

Ultimately, a dental practice is a business — a higher number of more expensive treatments means more profit. But a good dentist won't let this get in the way of them doing their job properly.

Instead, transparency and looking after their patients' oral health should be their top priorities. An expensive treatment can sometimes make your teeth worse rather than better as it can weaken your teeth or mouth structure over time. So, if you find that a dentist is recommending countless treatments, it may be a red flag. On the other hand, If a dentist does not diagnose an existing condition, it will usually become worse and require more extensive treatment. For example, an undetected small cavity requiring a conservative filling can become a tooth requiring a root canal treatment and crown to save the tooth from extraction.

A focus on education

A good dentist doesn't just tell you what to do and expects you to take it at face value. They educate you about what exactly is going on with your teeth and gums and the pros and cons of treatments so you can make informed decisions yourself. They should also advise you on how to look after your teeth at home. This emphasis on prevention prevents extensive dental work in the future.

Clean dental office

You may not necessarily be able to judge a dentist based on the state of their teeth given they can't work on their own mouth. But if there's one thing you absolutely should judge them on, it's the state of their office. If the hygiene is poor, run a mile.

Regular follow-ups

In dentistry, consistency is the name of the game. It's recommended to see a dentist every six months for a check-up to flag any potential problems early on before they have a chance to develop. Good practices will help you out by sending reminders to schedule your appointments. It is also important that your dentist's office contact you after extensive dental treatment to check on your condition.

At Reza Dental Care in South Gate, California, we're committed to providing top-tier dentistry services to our patients. Hygiene, patient education, and a focus on prevention where possible are all top priorities.

To learn more or schedule an appointment today?