How to Choose a DMD or DDS Dentist

Dentists must complete four years of dental school and are awarded the doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or the equivalent doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree. Just a few steps can help you to choose a dentist who is appropriate for your needs.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine what dental services you need so you will know what type of dentist will serve you best. For example, an orthodontist can provide you with braces or other appliances to help you straighten your teeth. A pediatric dentist will serve the needs of your children or special-needs patient. Otherwise, a general dentist can meet a wide variety of dental care needs such as oral cleanings, cavity fillings or crowns. Even if you think you have serious dental problems that require the attention of a specialty dentist, many specialists will require you to see a general dentist first to complete an overall examination, according to 1800Dentist.com.

  If you do need special attention, general dentists often will refer you to certain specialty dentists based on your condition. For instance, they will send you to a periodontist for treatment of gum and bone disease, or they will refer you to an endodontist if you need root-canal treatment. You also might have to visit a prosthodontist if you want a partial denture or see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to have your wisdom teeth extracted.

• 2

  Gather names of multiple dentists you would like to consider. Talk to friends, neighbors, family members and fellow employees about the dentists they like, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

  In addition, consider contacting your state or local dental societies for references or ask your general doctor for a recommendation. If you are about to relocate to a new area, see if your current dentist knows any colleagues in your new hometown. If you have dental insurance, make sure the dentists you choose are in your insurance network.

• 3

  Check if your desired dentist's hours of operation work with your schedule. Many dental offices are closed one day a week. In addition, consider the office's distance from your home or workplace and inspect the office during your first visit to confirm its cleanliness. Ask about the dentist's prior clinical experience. Also, make sure the dentist takes your dental and medical history and files this information.

• 4

  Determine whether the dentist provides you with ample oral health care instruction and gives you advice on how to better care for your teeth. Ask if the dentist has a system in place to handle dental emergency situations when the office is closed. In addition, ask if your dentist provides sedation dentistry or other services that can make you more comfortable. Make sure the dentist gives you adequate information about the costs of various treatments and accepted payment plans before you agree to any procedure.

• 5

  Be ready to visit or call your top dentists more than once before making a final decision on your new DMD or DDS. Be sure the dentist you choose meshes well with your own personality and is patient enough to answer your questions.