The right dentist can make the difference between having pain-free, beautiful teeth and poor oral health. Because Atlanta has hundreds of dentists, picking the right one for your dental needs can be confusing. Here are our top tips for selecting an Atlanta dentist who can protect your smile.
What to Look for When Picking a Dentist in Atlanta, GA
The Right Educational Dentistry Credentials
Every good Atlanta dentist has a college education and dental licensure from the state of Georgia. Your dentist must have at least a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. The degrees prove that the practitioner has received the necessary training to provide quality dental care to a patient.
If you require a specialist, such as a pediatric dentist, orthodontist, or prosthodontist, check whether the practitioner has a master’s or certification in that specialty. While a master’s is unnecessary, having such a degree implies that a dentist is well-versed in that area of dentistry.
A license from the Georgia Board of Dentistry shows that a dentist has all the necessary qualifications and skills to provide dental care legally to patients.
Years of Dental Experience
The quality and skill of a newly licensed dentist aren’t comparable to those of one with years of experience in the field. An experienced dentist will have an easier time diagnosing your condition and recommending the best treatment plan to fix your smile. Experienced dental professionals are also better skilled at making a patient feel at ease before and during treatment.
Ease of Booking Dental Patient Appointment
Are walk-ins possible or do you need to book an appointment in advance? You must ask these questions before picking a dentist. Dental offices that allow walk-ins are convenient for people who have dental emergencies. If a dental clinic only accepts appointments, it must make phone or online booking as hassle-free as possible.
Comfortable Dental Office
Going to the dentist is scary for many people. Ensuring patient comfort reduces a patient’s anxiety while waiting for an appointment or receiving dental health care. Visit the dentist’s office to verify that they have a comfortable waiting place and clean facilities. The staff should also be friendly and able to provide any information you need.
Dental Customer Reviews
Checking online reviews from past patients is a quick way to verify a dental professional’s quality. A reputable dental professional will have more positive reviews than bad ones. The reviews will also give you an idea of the type and quality of care to expect when you visit. Check reviews on trustworthy third-party platforms to ensure you are reading feedback from real customers.
Dental Insurance Coverage
Accepted dental insurance plans can vary between Atlanta dental doctors. Before picking a dental surgeon, verify that their practice accepts the type of insurance you have. You can shorten your list of potential Atlanta dental clinics by asking your insurance provider for a list of participating local dentists.
That being said, dental insurance does not cover everything and the amount covered each year is limited. We advise that no matter your insurance coverage, do not hesitate to seek dental care when you need it.
American Dental Association (ADA) Member
A good Atlanta dentist is usually an American Dental Association (ADA) member. Other associations that a reputable dentistry specialist can be a part of are:
- The Hinman Dental Society
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Local Dental Societies specific to the region
Dental health professionals that are part of such organizations adhere to strict quality and customer service standards. Choosing such dental doctors to take care of your smile increases your chances of getting top-notch services.
Professional Dental Team
The typical dentist’s office consists of more than just doctors. The office will also have a team of experts that assist the patients and dental surgeons. Depending on the dental care clinic, the staff may include a dental hygienist and dental assistant.
These staff members must have all the necessary qualifications and a friendly disposition that makes patients feel welcome during visits.
Modern Dental Equipment
A good Atlanta dentist has the latest and best technology for everything, including X-rays, surgeries, and more. If a dental care center has all the necessary equipment, you will have access to the highest standard of care, saving you money and time. Also, if a dental health practitioner relies on outdated technology, they will be less able to provide services efficiently.
Services Offered by Atlanta Dentists
The dental clinic you choose must have the facilities to provide the exact services you need. If you need a specialist for root canal therapy, implant dentistry, or a custom smile makeover, and the clinic can’t meet your needs, the facility will refer you to a specialist.
Choose My Emergency Dental to Take Care of Your Teeth
At My Emergency Dental, we are here for your dental needs. Let our family-friendly team take care of your oral health. We also provide emergency dental treatment to restore damaged teeth and turn your pain into peace of mind.
Call us today at 470-523-8118 to schedule a consultation and experience why we are the best in Atlanta.
