How to find the right dentist for you

Whether you have just switched benefits or you’re ready to get a dental cleaning for the first time in a while, the first step is finding a dentist. Although sorting through the list of dentists in your area may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. If you're wondering how to find a dentist who will check all the boxes for your situation, taking a few easy steps and considering the right criteria will help you make the best dental care decision.

How to find a dentist

First, assemble a list of dentists in your area. You can start with a simple Google search or a “Find a Dentist” tool (Beam Benefits has one you can use here or via our mobile app). From there, you can narrow the search down by distance from your location and the type of provider you need (e.g., pediatric dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon). Note: If you use a different Find a Dentist tool, you’ll need to confirm the practice is in your dental benefits network. You can get further insight by asking relatives, friends, coworkers, and your family doctor for recommendations.

Once you have an initial list, you can narrow the candidates down by consulting online reviews on Google, Yelp, and dental-specific sites such as 1-800-DENTIST. This can help you answer any questions about the:

• Services offered
• Flexibility and availability of appointment scheduling
• Friendliness and honesty of the staff
• Education provided about treatments and at-home care
• Cleanliness and comfort of the office
• Billing and insurance claim processes

If you’re now down to a few high-quality candidates, some of the following factors may help you arrive at a final decision.

Differentiators to consider when choosing a dentist

Network

When you’re weighing several strong options, your dental benefits could be the tiebreaker. Visiting an in-network dentist is typically cheaper because your benefits plan will cover a higher percentage of the cost than it would for an out-of-network provider. This doesn’t mean you need to completely disregard out-of-network dentists you like. Your dental benefits should still cover a portion of the cost — the percentage will depend on whether you have a MAC or UCR plan.

Office hours

Many people don’t visit the dentist for long stretches because they don’t have time in their busy schedules. If you fall in that category, flexible hours are particularly valuable. You may prefer scheduling appointments after 5 p.m. or on weekends so you don’t need to take time off work or your kids don’t miss school. Not all dental offices provide these flexible hours, so this may be a significant deciding factor if you have a busy lifestyle.

Special services

Some dentists offer distinct services that can make your experience more convenient, comfortable, and/or affordable. Do you get anxious about visiting the dentist? See if the office offers sedation dentistry to make your appointment more relaxing. Are you interested in adjusting your diet to eliminate acidic and sugary foods that can damage teeth? You may benefit from a dental practice that offers nutritional counseling. Would you prefer to have a dentist you can visit for both routine procedures and emergency dental issues? Look into providers that offer emergency services so you can get immediate care when necessary.

Dental health has a whole-body impact; finding someone who can help you take care of it isn’t something to take lightly. By incorporating these tips into the search, you can find a long-term partner in your healthcare journey.