How to Find Out if a Dentist Is Accredited

While some people receive recommendations for dentists from other dentists or medical professionals, if you are searching for a dentist for the first time or looking to change dentists without a recommendation, it's important to check that she has the requisite qualifications to be working in the field. By asking for a dentist's credential numbers, you can verify that the dentist is accredited and licensed to practice dentistry in the state in which you live.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask an assistant at the dentist's office for the dentist's credential number. This is an eight-digit number. Don't be shy to ask for this number. Any dentist that has the proper accreditation and license will not hesitate to provide the number. Do not see a dentist that refuses to give you information about his accreditation.

• 2

  Call your state's Department of Health. You can find the phone number for the Department of Health by looking in your local phone book or by performing a general Internet search. Visit the website where you will find the contact information. Many state Department of Health websites also have links where you can verify accreditation and licenses online if you have the name, address and license number of a medical professional.

• 3

  Call the Department of Health for help in verifying a dentist's accreditation and license. If you do not have the accreditation number, but you have the dentist's name, the associate might still be able to verify the accreditation. Otherwise tell the associate the accreditation number that you received from the dentist's office. The associate will be able to tell you whether or not the dentist is accredited and whether he is licensed to practice dentistry (and the type of dentistry) in your state.