How to Research a Dentist

Before you sit down in a dentist's chair for the first time, it's a good idea to research his background and credentials. Each state has different systems in place for checking the status of a dentist's license. If a dentist is a member of the American Dental Association, they have agreed to adhere to high ethical standards of conduct and are kept up to date with the latest information about their specialty. An informal method of researching a dentist is to seek referrals from local friends and family members.

Instructions

Your State's Dental Board

• 1

  Visit Health Guide USA's website to find the website of your state's dental board. Find a link in References.

• 2

  Click on the link for your state's dental board. Most state dental boards have a license search tool on their website to verify a dentist's license online. If you live in a state that does not provide this service online, locate the board's telephone number and contact them by phone.

• 3

  Contact your state's dental board to determine if any disciplinary action has been taken against the dentist.

• 4

  Visit the American Dental Association's website to determine whether the dentist is a member in good standing. Find a link in References. The ADA stipulates that this tool allows quick access to information about ADA member dentists, but it is not a referral service.

• 5

  Use a consumer reporting service such as Angie's List. These services often charge a membership fee to access consumer reviews and recommendations.

Other Information Sources

• 6

  Visit your county courthouse to see if the dentist has been the subject of any lawsuits.

• 7

  Use a public records search site such as PublicRecordFinder.com. These sites may charge a fee to access criminal record information.

• 8

  Do a search for the dentist's name on your local newspaper's website.