Finding the Right Dentist in Oakland

The Oakland metro area is home to hundreds of dentists. With so many dentists to choose from, how do you find the most fitting dentist for you?

Finding a dentist through word of mouth is an excellent approach. Let family and friends suggest a dentist(s) to research. It's an easy jump-off point.

If the suggested dentist isn't taking on new patients, family and friends may be able to give you some advice on what to look for in a dentist. Ask them for a list of pros and cons to help streamline your search.

Although word of mouth is an excellent approach, it can also limit your options, especially if you have a small number of people in your network.

Use the tools on the website of your dental insurance carrier if you have coverage. You can create a list of in-network dentists in your area via the insurance website. This search option saves you time and eliminates any out-of-network dentists.

Surfing the Internet can provide you with more possibilities than speaking to family, friends, and your insurance company.

You should consider professional directories such as this one, especially since the Internet can be limitless. These types of directories can help you consolidate your search by dental specialization and licensing.

You have two choices for professional directories: a national one, where you can filter according to city, and a local one, where you start in your own town or city. These directories may contain more information than your insurance website, such as enhanced media (like videos and photos), weblinks (like the practice website), or licensing information.

It's these details that will help you become more acquainted with the dentist and practice. Now combine this information with online reviews to better picture your fit with the dentist's practice.

Verify the license status of all potential dentists on your list. To search the California Dental Board website, use the license number taken from the professional directory. The search results will show if the dentist has a license in good standing and if they have a clean history.

You may be more comfortable in a small, relaxed practice than in a larger, fast-paced practice. At this stage, you should have a list of potential dentists. Next, call each dental practice to schedule a consultation. If you have difficulty scheduling the consultation due to their open hours versus your availability, consider this before processing with that particular dentist.

Things to look for during your consultation are the staff's service quality, the equipment's shape, and the office's cleanliness. Pay attention to other patients as well. Do they seem relaxed while they wait? The consultation in person will allow you to determine if the dentist is a good match for your needs.

As with other doctors, it is essential to research all options thoroughly. Answering yes to the below questions means you're more likely to stay on top of your regular visits.

Don't forget to ask the difficult questions regarding costs and dental care before you make your final decision.

Keep in mind that your overall health has a direct connection to your dental health. Therefore, take the time to make the right decision for you.

Good luck!