That’s really a tough question. And for our practice (in Sandy Springs, GA)
it’s even more difficult because we don’t advertise using conventional methods. Ninety-five (95%) percent or more of our
patients are referral based, either from an existing patient or another
referring dentist.
Given our history
and experience, we recommend asking for referrals from a co-worker or a
neighbor.
If you have relocated from out of state to another city or
state and want to find a good dentist, get a referral from your previous
dentist or at least their second opinion.[1]
This is probably the best option as your
previous dentist probably knows someone he went to school with or has a
professional affiliation with. It is
unlikely that he would give you wrong advice. If you simply are not happy with the services
given by your current dentist, you can ask for recommendations from your co-workers,
friends, family members, and other trusted individuals in your life. We have found that once someone makes a
referral, the referred patient will go to our web site or reviews to validate
the referral. A combination of a trusted
referral borne out by independent research will usually lead you to the right
dentist.
How to Find a Good Dentist?
If you are planning to undergo any kind of dental treatment,
you need to make sure that you get the services suited to your needs. Choosing a quality dentist with the right
skills and experience is the deciding factor in the success of the treatment. While price is a factor, a well-respected
dentist with long standing roots in the community is not going to be overpriced. You certainly would not want to base your
decision on an inexpensive root canal and crown treatment which could turn out
to be ineffective in just a few months. Dental issues are no small matter. You should
in no way compromise on the quality of the dental treatment based on price.
If it’s cosmetic dentistry you are seeking, then look for a prosthodontist. Prosthodontic dentists are with the passage
of time gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the
advances in dentistry and how they can enhance their everyday lives. They are
expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree from a dental school
centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and aesthetics
are combined in the final result.
Location of the Dentist
Again this is a tough one.
You should not necessarily choose a dentist whose office is pretty close
to where you work or live. This will
surely help you in case of a dental emergency, but with a quality dentist as a
general rule you shouldn’t have emergencies. Obviously, if you can find a quality dentist
close to where you work or live in Atlanta, you will reduce hassle for you in
driving many miles just for treatment which requires frequent visits. But for twice a year cleanings and
examinations a few more miles shouldn’t create any issues.
Whichever dentist you choose in your locality, always make
sure that he/she is a certified member of the American Dental Association (ADA)
and the Georgia Dental Association. When
you are comfortable with your referral, compare the services, charges, dental
insurance formalities, and other determining factors, before choosing a suitable
one. After you find all the above
conditions satisfactory, simply call for a consultation.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
Related
articles
· Dentist
Atlanta: What you probably don't know about Cosmetic Dentists
(therightsmile.wordpress.com)
· Dentist
Atlanta: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist
(therightsmile.wordpress.com)
