A dentist is one of the most personal doctors that you will ever go to see. Famously dreaded, the dentist is someone that you will have to see at least twice a year for the rest of your life—and maybe in charge of several painful and sensitive surgeries, you have to go through. When you’re looking for a dentist, you definitely want to take the time to make sure that you find the right one! Here are some tips for looking for a dentist, especially if you live on the Upper East Side:
1. Keep it simple
You want to find a dentist who has an office that’s close to you, who has hours that work for your schedule, and (very simply) is currently taking on clients! If you have dental insurance, you’re going to want to make sure that the office takes whichever plan you happen to be on.
2. Search wisely
As you look for dentists, talk to people who live in your area. Where do they go? Where do they send their kids? Have they had great experiences? Make sure that you’re weighing all of the factors that are important to you, and then contact a few different dental assistants who work in the offices you’re targeting.
What impression do you get of their schedules? How efficient and friendly are the administrative staff? As you’ll be working with these people on an ongoing basis, you want the experience to be simple and pleasant.
3. Visit the Dentist
After you’ve narrowed the search down, go and visit the office in question. You definitely want to see an attractive waiting room, and you want other patients to be coming out of the back rooms looking happy and satisfied, with very clean and straight teeth! Talk to the administrative staff about the main dentist’s qualifications, and then ask if the dentist has a minute in his busy day to speak with you. In the Upper East Side, Bauer Dental Arts is the leading dental provider.
Ask about the dentist’s emergency plan (what if you lose a tooth at night, what happens then?) and their pain management systems; ask whether the dentist is in the habit of reading up on current dental research and how he manages his ongoing education. These may be uncomfortable questions, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run!
4. Partner up!
Ultimately, the dentist you choose is going to be a partner of yours—a lifelong friend to help you get better teeth, every year—instead of the reverse. So make sure that the dentist you’re seeing is someone you feel comfortable working with! If you’re looking for anxiety-free dentistry, make sure to mention that.
Whether you need implants and advanced dental arts or are just looking for someone to help you maintain your dental health, choosing a dentist is a search worth prioritizing. Make sure that you find someone who will meet all of your needs and help you understand the importance of healthy teeth!
Bauer Dental Arts, 435 E 76th St #1a, New York, NY 10021, 212-288-4615
