Finding the best dentist is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and ensuring long-term oral wellness. Whether you’re new to an area, dissatisfied with your current provider, or just due for a change, choosing a dental professional who aligns with your needs can make all the difference in your experience and outcomes.

From routine cleanings to complex procedures, the quality of care depends on your dentist. But with so many options available, how do you know who’s the best dentist for you? In this blog, we’ll offer seven tips to ensure you’re choosing the right team to support you through your oral care. 

1. Ask Family and Friends for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find the best dentist in your area is by talking to your family and friends about their experience with providers in your area. Ask them what services they’ve received (if they’re comfortable sharing) and how appointments with the team have gone. By talking to your closest loved ones, you can better understand whether this dental team is reliable, compassionate, and experienced. If you think you’ve found a reliable dental team, but your family and friends have had negative experiences with them in the past, this may be an indication that it is best to look elsewhere for support. 

2. Read Reviews and Testimonials

If your friends and family have no experience with dentists in your area, it is best to turn to search engine reviews and on-site testimonials to find the best dentist for your needs. Much like the personal experiences your friends and family have had, reading through reviews and testimonials from previous or current patients will give you an idea of what a visit with the dentist will look like. If their review and testimonials pages are plagued with negative reviews, this might be the perfect indication that you need to turn to a different dental office for your care. 

3. Peruse Their Service Menu

A dentist in your area can’t be the best dentist for your oral health needs if they don’t offer the services you need. Sometimes, you’re looking for a dentist to perform your twice-yearly cleanings. In this case, you may not be particular about the dental team you work with. However, in cases where you’re looking for more complex care, like root canals, cosmetic dental procedures, fillings, and more, you need a dentist who provides these services. Before scheduling with the first dentist who pops up, look at their online service menu or call their office to ensure the dentist performs the services you need. 

4. Look Into Their Credentials

Another way to ensure you’re working with the best dentist in your area is by looking into their credentials. If you’re working with a reliable dental team, they will list any educational experience they have, including additional training beyond standard dental training. This allows you to ensure your dentist attended a credible dental program. Additionally, many states offer professional license verification systems to help ensure your dentist is licensed to perform these services. If you can’t find any information about their educational background or license, you may want to stay away and seek care elsewhere. 

5. Double-check with Your Insurance

While you may think a dental team is the right fit for your oral health needs, it is important that you check with your insurance provider to ensure they cover care. If you’re already paying for dental insurance, you don’t want to be caught off guard when you show up for an appointment only to find they don’t accept it. Before you schedule, reach out to your insurance provider or the dental office to ensure they accept your dental insurance. Ultimately, the best dentist for your oral needs is one who accepts your insurance, which can help you avoid unexpected dental bills. 

6. Look for an Easily Accessible Office

The last thing you want to deal with when trying to find the best dentist in your area is an unresponsive team or an office that is difficult to get to. The best team for you is one who answers when you call or quickly returns any messages you leave for them. You also don’t want to drive over an hour to attend standard cleanings. If you’re struggling to reach the team to schedule an appointment or their office isn’t easily accessible, even by car, it is best to turn your attention to a closer dental office with a team that is easy to reach or contacts you when you reach out for support. 

7. Visit the Office

Finally, if you believe you’ve found the best dentist in your area, consider visiting the office to ensure it is the right fit. There are some things you can’t figure out just by making a phone call or visiting their website. If you stop by the office and it’s dirty, loud, or outdated, this might not be the best place for you. Additionally, visiting the office in person gives you an opportunity to speak to the front desk team, who you will work with every time you schedule an appointment. If you have the opportunity, stop by the office before scheduling to ensure you’re choosing the best team for your needs. 

The Best Dentists in Northern Utah

If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Northern Ogden area, don’t hesitate to turn to our team at Mountain View Dental for support. Since 2011, we’ve provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front. From standard cleanings to more complex care, our team has done it all. With our team on your side, you can trust that you’re working with the best dentists in Northern Utah.

If you have any questions about the services we provide or want to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.