Many more dentists now work in DTLA and Central Los Angeles than even two-three years ago, so you really have many choices. However, finding a good local dentist near you that you would be happy with and could trust with your dental health is still not easy. This is why many people after finding a good local dentist near their work or home stick with them through sick and thin. We hope that our recommendations for choosing a great local dentist in DTLA will help you make a good choice that is optimal for you and your family. Since finding a good local dentist in Downtown LA is a fairly involving undertaking, we are covering it in multiple posts over several weeks. This is the third installment of the series. You can read our previous posts on finding good local dentist near you at How to find a good dentist in la and Finding the best dentist in los angeles.
Now, we want to make the process of choosing a good local dentist near you in DTLA as easy and actionable as possible, so we’ve condensed the treasure trove of information on how to select an excellent local dentist from our previous posts to five easy to follow steps:
Step 1: Educate Yourself About Your Dental Health
Most people don’t know what’s going on in their mouth like dentists do. So while it makes sense to trust a professional dentist near you with this information, it is crucial to at least have a fundamental knowledge of your teeth, as it will help to be prepared for whatever questions the local dentist may have. So get a refresher on your personal dental history and general dental knowledge to share with the dentist.
Step 2: Pre-qualify Local Dentists
Search online for local dentists near you or in your zip code and pay attention to Yelp, Google+, Facebook, and ZocDoc reviews that may also appear in search results. Do not forget to research local dentist websites. When looking at dentist websites, make sure that they mention dentists’ and their dental staff qualifications and affiliations. Look for information about the technology the office may be using. Professional standards for dentists are very stringent, but it never hurts to check. Are the dentists up to date with dental credentialing and licensing? Do the local dentists stay abreast of new dental technology and dental treatment options?
Step 3: Trust Your Local Dentist
As with any health care services, with dental care, dental medicine knowledge of the dentist is not always enough. Make sure you can feel comfortable discussing your dental problems with your local dentist. If the dentist’s chair-side (bed-side) manner does not make you comfortable, you may want to keep looking and check out other local dentists. Don’t underestimate this aspect of your dental care.
Step 4: Know Your Options When It Comes to Local Dentists
Most dental procedures treatments can be administered in more than one way. The dental treatments may vary not only in price but in quality, durability, required maintenance, and level of comfort or discomfort. Discuss all your dental care options with your local dentists and consider each one carefully. If the treatment seems particularly aggressive or comprehensive (and therefore expensive), make sure to get a second opinion from another local dentist.
Step 5: Ask Your Local Dentist Questions
Most good dentists DTLA and Central Los Angeles are happy to answer any questions, but some patients are too afraid to ask anything of their local dentist. You do have the right to pick the brain of your local dentists when it comes to choosing a dental treatment that is right for you. Take note not only of the answers to questions by the local dentists, but also how they make you feel. Remember, how you get along with the dentists will impact your overall satisfaction and maybe even your recovery.
Here are some of the questions you may want to ask of your local dentist:
- How long the dentist has been practicing?
- How often do they perform the dental procedure you will be having done?
- Are there any alternative dental treatments available for your particular diagnosis?
- Will there be much pain during and after the dental procedure? If so, what options are available to make you more comfortable?
- What will be the follow-up process after your dentist appointment?
- What kind of warranty does the dentist offer and what does it cover?
- How does the dental office price the dental services you will be receiving?
- What types of insurance does the office accept?
- Does the dentist offer alternative payment options, such as financing or a payment plan?
- How does the office bill patients following the dentist appointment?
We want you to make the best choice when selecting your local dentist in DTLA, but we also hope that after doing all the research, you’ll choose River Dentistry. For more information about our Downtown Los Angeles dental office and with any questions, please call us at 213-486-0006 or make your appointment online.
