Are you looking for the right dentist for your dental care? Here are nine practical tips for choosing a dentist in Centreville, VA.

1. Ask Friends and Family

One of the easiest ways to find a new dentist is to ask friends and family.

Since so many people receive regular dental care, there's a good chance that someone in the area and point you in the right direction. If multiple people recommend a dentist, consider how long they have been visiting that location.

For example, if someone has seen the same dentist for over 20 years, there's a good chance that they'll be a great choice. This shows that they have been around for a while and have plenty of experience.

2. Research Online

The Internet is an amazing tool when it comes to finding the right dentist for you. Pay attention to what past patients have had to say about their experience. You should prioritize a dentist that has overwhelmingly positive feedback.

You should also look at how they respond to criticism or negative reviews. If they appear to get aggressive or defensive, this is a red flag that you shouldn't ignore. Otherwise, you may end up running into the same issues as others.

3. Meet the Staff

It's important to feel comfortable and accommodated when you visit the dentist. No matter how experienced and professional the doctor is, an unprofessional staff can make your visit tense and unpleasant.



The staff at the office should be friendly, welcoming, and efficient. There shouldn't be issues related to paperwork, scheduling, etc.

4. Do They Offer Emergency Services?

Most people go through life never needing emergency dental work. However, if you ever find yourself in this situation, it's easiest to receive this type of care from a dentist you already know.



Some emergency dental issues won't leave you with enough time to search for a new dentist. Consider this when moving forward.

5. Costs/Insurance Coverage

You can't overlook the costs associated with your visit. Dentists have the freedom to charge whatever they like for their services, which means that some dentists set unreasonably high prices.

However, this doesn't mean that you should choose the cheapest possible dentist. This could be an indicator that they are inexperienced and aren't capable of providing great results.

The insurance coverage they accept will also play a large role in your decision. If they don't work with your provider, you have to pay out-of-pocket for the care you receive. In many situations, this could be thousands of dollars.

Although many dentists offer financing plans, you'll still pay much more than you otherwise would have with your insurance.

6. Check Their Credentials

Under no circumstances should you visit a dentist who does not have the proper credentials. Only choose dentists who are board-certified.

They are held to high ethical standards that will ensure they provide the best care. You can often find this information on their website, and dentists are proud to display their certifications and education.

If you can't find this info, reach out to ask about it. Pay attention to the type of response you receive. They should never attempt to deflect your inquiry. Instead, they should immediately provide answers to your questions.

7. Consider Convenience

How convenient is it to visit the location? Some dentists are located in easily accessible plazas, while others are more difficult to reach. If physically getting to the location is a stressful process, you should choose an alternative that's easier to navigate.

The same can be said about offices that are located far away from your home, as these could easily turn a single dentist visit into an all-day affair.

8. Get a Consultation

You can find out much of the information you need by asking for a consultation. The dentist and their staff will inform you about the costs, policies, etc. so that you can make the best decision.



If they don't offer consultations, you should continue your search elsewhere. Making a decision like this is very involved, and you should only work with a dentist who can provide you with the information you need.

If the office staff are the ones giving the consultation, ask to meet the dentist at some point. If you don't feel comfortable with them, don't be afraid to look for other options.

9. Telehealth Services

It can sometimes be inconvenient to make a trip to the dentist. This is especially true when it comes to resolving minor issues.

With some problems, there is a chance you could resolve them through a telehealth dental service. This is due to the fact that some issues only require a brief visual examination to make a diagnosis.

A common scenario could involve somebody having sudden tooth pain without being able to determine the cause. Upon contacting your dentist for this service, they could diagnose you with a cracked molar. From here, you can receive the appropriate level of care.

Find a Dentist in Centreville, VA

Consider the above information so you can find the best dentist in Centreville, VA. This will help ensure that all of your needs are met and that you avoid complications you may have otherwise encountered.



Get in touch with us today at SmileOn Dentistry to see how we can help. Our certified professionals have the experience and resources to give you the best possible care.