Looking For a Dentist Part Two: Key Factors to Consider

In part two of our quest to find the perfect dentist, Satya Misra, the CEO of ActionRun Inc focuses on the finer details you should consider when searching for a dentist that will best fit your situation.

"For many people, dental emergencies have been the precursor for a visit to the dentist. Now that current research findings have brought to light the importance of oral health for everyone, more people are putting forethought in the individual who takes care of their dental needs. If you're in this position, you may have considered several avenues for finding the "perfect" dentist. Whether you have a dental emergency or need a simple dental cleaning, you should give some serious thought to the dentist you choose to perform the services you need.

Education
Knowing the educational background and experience of a dentist can help you determine how prepared they are to provide the dental services you need. The college or university a dentist attended can give you some insight into their educational background, but it isn't absolute. While elite schools tend to offer their students more resources, a degree from a top institution does not necessarily indicate that an individual took advantage of the resources available to them.

When looking at a dentist's education, at the very least you want to make sure they have completed an accredited dental program. Then, you want to dig a little deeper to determine just how smart the dentist really is. To become licensed or to enroll in post-graduate courses in the United States, dentists must take the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and receive a score of 75 or better. Depending on the state in which you live, you may be able to view NBDE scores for dentists by accessing the website of your state's dental board. Most state dental boards also provide information online that enables consumers to verify the license of a dentist and view any disciplinary action that has been documented.

Experience
Dental experience is a key factor when looking for a dentist because it indicates whether or not a dentist has put into practice what they have learned. In most professions, the number of years of work experience is indicative of the level of expertise. This is not the case for dentistry. It's possible for a dentist with many years of experience to have treated fewer patients than a dentist who has fewer years of experience.

Advancements are continually being made in the dental industry. The number of continuing education hours for dentists varies across the nation. High-quality dentists who are committed to their profession will continue their dental training after they graduate and take more than the minimum course that are state-mandated after graduation.

In conclusion, the more you know about a dentist's training and experience, the more knowledgeable you are in understanding how qualified they are to perform the services you need. You should make an appointment to speak one-on-one with potential dentists and ask as many questions about their background as you consider relevant to determine the quality of care a dentist will be able to offer. Any dentist who objects to your questions probably isn't the right dentist for you."