Only 63% of adults in the US have visited their dentist in the last year. If you're new to Rockaway Beach, you might not have a general dentist yet. General dentistry services can help you improve and maintain your oral health.

Not sure how to find a dentist in Rockaway Beach, NY you can depend on? Here are a few factors to prioritize during your search. Using these tips, you can find dentists in Rockaway Beach who can meet your needs.

Start your search for Rockaway dentists with these tips today.

Referrals

Start creating a list of Rockaway dentists by talking to friends, family members, and coworkers. If you already have a healthcare provider in Rockaway Beach, talk to them, too. They can help you build a list of local dentists to research further. 

Members of the medical community know of and often recommend one another. 

Building a list of referrals can help you find great dentists locals already trust. 

As you begin building your list of referrals, consider your specific needs. For example, maybe you need a specialist, such as an orthodontist or periodontist. Try to find general dentists who offer the services you're looking for.

If you don't have anyone in Rockaway Beach you can turn to for a referral, start searching online instead. Visit online dental directories and Healthgrades.com to find dentists in Rockaway Beach. 

A Strong Reputation

Once you have a short list of dentists to choose from, look online for patient reviews. Patient reviews can help you find a trustworthy, reputable dentist. If you were unable to gather personal referrals, don't skip this step.

Visit each dentist's website. Check online directories, Healthgrades.com, and the Better Business Bureau site, too. Read reviews from different sources to gain a well-rounded idea of each dentist on your list.

Find a dentist who already has a glowing reputation in Rockaway Beach.

Look for comments about responsiveness, bedside manner, scheduling, and billing if you can. Determine if patients encountered any issues while seeking treatment. If they did, remove those dentists from your list. 

As you gather this research, confirm the dentists on your list don't have medical malpractice claims against them. If they do, strike them off your list. 

Credentials

There are now approximately 185,897 dentists in the US. Some are new to the industry, though.

Before choosing a dentist in Rockaway Beach, NY, double-check their credentials. You can learn more about each dentist from their Healthgrades.com profile. Look at their website for this information as well.

Consider where each dentist completed their education and training. Determine if they're also a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). All ADA dentists follow high ethical standards of care.

If you require specific services, determine if the dentist has additional training. 

Note when the dentist opened their practice as well. If they have years of experience in the industry, they'll have an easier time diagnosing any oral care problems you have. They can leverage their experience and expertise to offer the highest standard of care. 

Costs

Call each dental practice to ask about their dental services and associated costs. Call at least three practices if you can. Then, compare dental prices to make sure everyone falls within a similar price range.

If one practice's pricing is extremely higher or lower than the rest, consider it a red flag. 

Determine if the dentist falls within your plan as well. 

Location

Determine where each dental practice is located. Look for a practice near your home, office, or child's school. Finding a practice located nearby will offer ease and convenience.

Some general dentists also offer emergency dental services. In the case of an emergency, you'll want to find a practice located nearby. Otherwise, you could get stuck in traffic, causing additional stress.

Check each practice's office hours as well. They might offer extended hours for business professionals or for emergency services. 

Your Comfort

Consider scheduling a consultation appointment with three local dentists. While you're in the waiting room, consider how long you had to wait to see the dentist. Don't choose a dentist with long wait times or scheduling issues.

Look around the office, too. Is it neat, clean, and organized? Determine if the equipment is clean and up-to-date as well.

Consider the staff, too. Are they friendly and polite?

During the consultation appointment, talk to the dentist about their:

• Education and training
• Experience and expertise
• Dental services
• Office hours
• Approach to preventive dentistry
• Ability to treat emergencies
• Missed appointment policy

During the appointment, pay attention to how the dentist speaks or treats you. For example, are they easy to understand? 

You might want to choose a dentist based on their gender, if that makes you more comfortable. 

Ask any questions relevant to your general dentistry needs. For example, you might want to discuss preventive care services to help you avoid oral health issues. Your dentist might recommend sealants and fluoride treatments.

Before leaving the office, get an itemized list of their services as well.

Then, review your notes. Which dentist put you at ease? Choose a dentist you can trust with your oral health care. 

General Dentistry: Find a Dentist in Rockaway Beach, NY Today

General dentistry services will help you maintain a clean, healthy, beautiful smile. Use these tips to find a dentist in Rockaway Beach, NY you can trust. Then, make sure to schedule appointments every six months.

Routine appointments can keep your smile clean and fresh.

Ready to schedule your appointment? We're here to help.



Contact us today to get started.