Local Dentist Directory

When you move to a new area or decide it's time to find a new dentist, it's not always easy to find a new dentist. Friends and family can be a great place to turn, but sometimes they have contradictory recommendations, and at other times the dentist they have doesn't have the right skills to serve you and your family.

When looking for a new dentist, it can be helpful to turn to a local dentist directory. A local dentist directory may not be as personal as asking friends and family, but it has the advantage of listing all the local dentists in an area in one, easy-to-browse place. You can start with a local dentist directory, and then narrow your search by asking a few questions.

Doing Further Research

If you do find a dentist in a local dentist directory, don't stop there. Do more research on the dentist before placing that first phone call.

A great place to start is the dentist's website. Is it professional and up-to-date?

If the dentist has a website, look for testimonials and a bio page about the dentist or dentists within the practice. Where did the dentist go to school? How long has he or she been practicing?

Most importantly, does the dentist's specialty match with your needs? If you're just looking for a regular dentist and basic dental work, any general practitioner will do. However, if you have specific oral health issues, such as gum disease concerns, a need for reconstructive surgery, or a wish to have particular cosmetic dentistry work done, you'll need to find a dentist whose expertise matches with your needs.

Dentist Specialties

In case you're unfamiliar with dental terminology, here are a few terms to help you get started as you sift through the information you find in the dentist directory:

•    Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children.
•    Orthodontists are the dentists who fix bite and jaw issues, often providing braces and retainers.
•    Endodontists perform root canals and other types of surgeries.
•    Periodontists specialize in soft tissues, including treating gum disease and dental implants.

Remember, a local dentist directory is a point to start, but it's not an ending point. If your friends and family don't have great dentist recommendations, a directory can be a good place to start doing your homework.