• Understanding Dental Implants
• The ClearChoice Advantage
• How to Choose a Dentist
• Dentures vs Dental Implants
• Patient Information

How to Choose a Dentist

Finding a dentist is easy—just open the phone book or look online and you’ll probably find a hundred or more. But finding and choosing the right dentist can be a daunting task. Which credentials are important? Do you need a specialist? How do you narrow the choices down to find a dentist you can trust with your smile and your health?

Dental Degrees Decoded

The most important aspect of finding a dentist is to know which credentials to look for and understanding what they mean. Only those dentists who have earned their DDS or DMD degrees have had the proper training to perform dental treatment as a general dentist.

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)—This is a four-year dental degree that is required before a dentist can be licensed to practice in the United States.

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)—The only difference between this degree and a DDS is that these students earned their degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, Tufts, the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center or the University of Louisville.

Other credentials you may see include FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry), MAGD (Master of the Academy of General Dentistry) and RDH (registered dental hygienist).

Recognized Dental Specialties

Though many general dentists market themselves as cosmetic dentists or, in many cases, as family dentists, these aren’t specializations recognized by the American Dental Association. Those that are recognized include:
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons—perform tooth extraction and other oral surgery
• Orthodontics—provide corrective dentistry, such as braces
• Periodontics—treats diseases of the gums
• Prosthodontics—properly perform partial or total tooth replacement
• Endodontics—trained to treat the dental pulp chamber and canals
• Pedodontics—treat dental problems in children

If you’re experiencing any pain or bleeding, the first step you need to take is to see a general dentist for a comprehensive dental exam. If it is then determined that you require expertise beyond that of a general dentist, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist.

Finding a Dentist You Can Trust

Because your smile and your oral health are valuable assets, you must have trust in your dentist. He or she should be happy to answer all your questions and should make you feel at ease anytime a concern arises.

Before you make your final decision about choosing a dentist, be sure to ask about the dentist’s clinical experience and training, especially if you require any procedures. Ask if comfort measures, such as sedation dentistry, are available. And finally, make certain you understand all fees and payment plans up front.