When you need expert dental care, in whose caring hands will you trust? 

Finally:  How To Avoid The 6 Most Common Mistakes Made When Choosing A Dentist That’s Right For You! 

Read below to discover how we have helped thousands of Collin County folks just like you cut through all the dental marketing hype to find a dental home where you feel a warm welcome, friendly faces and expert care!     

At some time or another you will be faced with looking for a new dentist.  Like most people you want to find a dentist that you can trust, who will care for you and your family and has your best interests in mind.         However, when the time comes, you will be faced with the same choices most often associated with seeking out a healthcare provider.  Since this is an important decision in your life, we have decided to give you “The 6 Most Common Mistakes Made  When Choosing a Dentist That’s Right For You!”  to help guide you to the right dentist.  Because, regardless of what you may think….not all Dentists are created equal.     I have seen so many people in pain and suffer mentally and financially throughout my years in practice simply because of poor dental work.   Most people don’t know how to go about selecting a dentist, or even realize the problems that can occur if you don’t choose wisely.  Together, we are not going to let that happen to you. 

Mistake #1:  Not asking for recommendations.  One of the best ways to find a great dentist is to ask friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.  Getting a referral from someone who’s happy with their dentist is a good head start toward finding someone you’ll like.  Go to review websites such as www.doctoroogle.com to read reviews concerning the dentist in consideration.

Mistake #2:  Not checking license and credentials.  It may sound simplistic but check with the Texas State Dental Board (www.tsbde.com) for license status and if any disciplinary action has been taken against that dentist.  Credentials are huge in dentistry!  Make sure your dentist is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) www.agd.org.  This credential alone is worth its weight in gold as you know that a “Fellowed” dentist is committed to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest treatment techniques to keep you comfortable and safe. 

Mistake #3:  Not asking for verification of diagnosis.  It is critical that you find a dentist that has digital x-rays that you can see on the computer screen.  Most dentists with integrity will show you your x-rays but sometimes, even better, a great dentist will show you an intra-oral camera picture of your teeth so you will know exactly what the doctor sees in your mouth.  Seeing this opens great communication about your condition, your options and allows you to be a part of deciding your dental treatment!

Mistake #4:  Not visiting the office or taking advantage of a free consultation!  Come visit or better yet take advantage of a free consultation.  This will give you the opportunity with no obligation to get to know the office staff and doctor and to see if they are right for you.  Look for a courteous staff and doctor that listens and takes the time to answer your questions.

Mistake #5:  Not asking the right questions.  This is a big one since most patients don’t know the critical questions to ask!  Ask about infection control!  Does the office follow the recent updated CDC guidelines?  Do they participate in a program to monthly monitor the effectiveness of their sterilizers? Ask about staff training!   Are the dental assistants and hygienists current with CPR, nitrous oxide monitoring and x-ray technique?  Ask about insurance!  Does the office in consideration help you file your insurance and make every effort to be up front and answer your questions regarding scheduling and billing?  Does the office have a payment plan in place?

Mistake #6:  Not observing the chairside manner of the doctor/hygienist.  Does your doctor/hygienist take time to listen to you, make eye contact and have a sympathetic caring manner? What about personality?  Going to the dentist is stressful enough; you want someone who is warm, friendly, has a great sense of humor and that puts you at ease!Now that we have given you the insider information on how to find the right dentist for you and your family, it is time for you to take action.  Please don’t delay dental care!  We want you to be healthy, happy about your smile and pain free for life!