It is important to choose a reliable and professional dentist for you and your family. Here is a guide on how to find the best dentist in Philadelphia, PA.

Nearly 85% of Americans believe that oral health is key to their overall health. What's more, 58% have visited the dentist at least once a year.

Are you making an effort to improve your oral health? A good dentist in Philadelphia is key to keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums in good shape. 

Did you recently move to the area, or are you searching for a new dentist? Do you need to find a dentist in the 19145 zip code?



Check out this guide on how to find the best dentist in Philadelphia, PA for you.

Get Referrals

If you're specifically looking for a dentist in Philadelphia, PA 19145 area, you can ask for referrals from friends and family who also live in that zip code. 



You can also ask your healthcare provider or your insurance and see what dentists they recommend. 

Read Reviews Online

Another helpful tip in finding a dentist is to research online and read reviews about the dentist. There are many different review sites so make sure to read more than one. 

Some websites you can check out are Yelp, Healthgrades, Google, or Zocdoc.

Online reviews can be a helpful research tool. For instance, sometimes a dental office will respond to customer reviews. You can take note of how they respond. 



Are the responses understanding and polite? Or are they rude or dismissive?

Ask About Services Offered

Choosing a dentist also depends on what services you're looking for.

For example, are you looking for cosmetic work too? Are you interested in getting braces or clear aligners? You'll want a dentist that specializes in these areas. 

Or are you looking for a general dentist that can treat the whole family? You can search for "dentist near me 19145" to find dentists and look at their website.



A good website can give you a general overview of the services that the dentist offers. You should also call the dental office and ask questions about the services they offer. 

Convenience

Another important factor in choosing a dentist is convenience. For example, is the dentist conveniently located close to you? You want a dentist that is located nearby so that you can easily go to your appointments. 

How about dental office hours? Do the hours accommodate your own schedule? Or do you always have to take time off of work or find a sitter for the kids to make an appointment? 

You may consider a dental office that has weekend appointments or extended hours if that works better for your schedule. 

Another factor for convenience is how easily you can make appointments. Is it an easy process to call the dentist and make an appointment? Or do they rarely pick up or place you on a long hold?

Do the appointments seem unreasonably far in advance? If you're experiencing tooth discomfort, you're not going to want to wait for an appointment that is set weeks ahead. 

How about appointment reminders? Do you get a text message or email to remind you about the appointment? This can be helpful to those who frequently forget or miss appointments. 



How about emergency appointments? Do they offer emergency hours or an emergency phone line to call?

These details can make a difference in your experience with the dental office. 

Ask About Payment Options

Dental services can get pricey. One thing to check is whether or not your dentist accepts your insurance. 

Another thing to look for in a dentist is payment options. If you know you have a lot of treatment scheduled, you can see if the dentist can break up treatment so that you're not paying for everything at once.



You can also ask the dentist about payment options. How soon after treatment do they require payment? Do they offer payment plan options or financing? 

Communicating With the Dentist

It's important to establish good communication with your dentist. This way, you'll feel comfortable asking the dentist any questions or voicing concerns about your treatment.

For example, maybe you feel anxious when you go to the dentist. Maybe you're one of the 10% of Americans who have a fear of needles. Or maybe you're embarrassed at being judged for your oral health. 

You want a dentist who will listen to you and address your concerns. You don't want a dentist that rushes to get you out of the chair and onto the next patient. 



How about follow-up? Does the dentist follow up after treatment? Do they or the office staff make sure that you make a follow-up appointment if needed? 

Visit the Dental Office

You want to feel comfortable with your dentist, and you also want to feel comfortable in the dental office. You want to find a dental office that is clean and orderly. 

How about the dental office staff? Are they helpful and respectful? Do they greet and help you check in as soon as you enter the office?

How about the wait time? Does it take forever to be checked in or for the dentist to see you? Do you feel like your appointments are rushed?



Is your dental experience an enjoyable one, or is it something that you want to avoid?

Ask Questions

To learn more about a dentist, you can ask questions. For example, you can ask them how many years they've been practicing. You can also ask if they are participating in any continuing education courses. 

You might also ask about the dental office and how long it has been in business. You can also ask about any missed appointment policies they have and whether they charge a missed appointment fee. 



The more you learn about the dentist, the better you can make an informed decision on choosing a dentist.

Choosing the Best Dentist in Philadelphia, PA

It takes a bit of research to find the best dentist in Philadelphia, PA for you.

You want a dentist who is experienced, professional, and knowledgeable. You also want a dentist who answers your questions and concerns about your oral health. 



Ready to find a dentist in Philadelphia, PA 19145 area? Contact us today to make an appointment.