Dentists Near Me: Top 10 Tips for Finding the Right Dentist in Your Area

Since Covid-19 and the resulting decline in the country’s economy, the financial circumstances of many families have been negatively impacted. Many have had to consolidate their expenses and one of the numerous dilemmas associated with this has become: “How do I find dentists near me who can see to my family’s varied needs?”

With many families looking to limit their expenses to stretch their budgets, it may mean that they need to find medical practitioners, including dentists, who can cater to the entire family’s dental requirements, from the little ones to older individuals.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, the dental professionals at Intercare Medical and Dental Clinics would like to put your mind at ease. We understand that a family’s needs are sometimes simple, and, at other times, a little more complicated. With this in mind, we advise you on what to look out for and offer a 10-point guide on how to find the perfect dentist near you.

How Do I Find the Perfect Dentists Near Me?

If you are asking the question: “Where can I find dentists near me and how do I choose the best one?” Look no further. Consider these ten simple guidelines and we are sure that you will not be disappointed:

• Determine the Ideal Location: Decide where you would prefer your dentist to be located. Would you want their offices to be closer to home to accommodate easy transport for your parents, closer to your work for convenient access for yourself, or would being closer to your children’s school be a better option?
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• Check with Your Service Provider: Once you have decided on a location, ask your medical aid or health insurance provider for a list of approved dental professionals in your area. These entities usually only support facilities that meet their high standards of acceptance criteria. It is also the safest way to ensure that you do not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for costly dental procedures.
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• Ask People You Trust: Make a list of the approved dentists in your area and show them to people you know and trust. Family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues will be truthful and honest about their opinions and experiences with these practitioners. They may even suggest another dental professional that they use that is not on your list and might be worth considering. From these suggestions and opinions, create a shortlist.
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• Rely on Modern Technology and Visits: Use Google search to investigate your shortlist. Are there comments and opinions online that might influence your decision? Also, don’t be afraid to visit the practice in person. Getting a feel for the surroundings, condition of the rooms and personalities of the staff could assist you in your decision. Meeting the dentist in person is a great way to gain confidence in them.
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• Ask about Education and Training: Dental health plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being, and that of your family. If you have the opportunity to speak to your prospective dentist, don’t be shy to ask about where they obtained their degree and if they participate in regular professional development and training to update their knowledge, procedures and dental techniques.
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• Consider Opinions from Other Healthcare Professionals: Perhaps one of the better ways to find a dentist is to ask your family doctor or local pharmacist. They already know you and your family, your health requirements, your family’s medical history and the various personalities that make up your clan. They might be able to suggest a dentist that they know might meet your unique needs.
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• Avoid Getting Lost in Translation: Ensure that the dentist you choose is fluent in your home language. They could know their profession well, but if you do not understand them, or if there is a miscommunication in diagnosis or treatment, it could lead to problems later on. A misunderstanding of the terminology might lead to a lack of clarity or undue stress.
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• Find a Dentist Who Can Attend to Your Whole Family: Look for dental professionals that can cater to a multitude of dental needs. You may only need general dental services and routine care twice a year, but your children’s needs might be different. Developing youngsters might need paediatric treatments, teenagers might require orthodontic services while older persons might need porcelain crowns, veneers and inlays. Some might require implants or full dental rehabilitation in the event of an injury or accident. A practice that offers all of these dental procedures may be your perfect solution.
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• Keep in Mind that Odontophobia is Real: The fear of dentists is a very real phenomenon. If any member of your family suffers from this condition, look for dentists near you that are sympathetic towards it and have instituted methods and procedures of practice that accommodate it. 
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• Consider the Working Hours: There will be times when work and other extramural activities don’t allow for normal working-hour visitations. Enquire about the hours of operation of your prospective dentist. Are they open before and after regular office hours? Are they available on Saturdays and are there dentists on standby in the event of an emergency?

 

These are only a few ways to find the perfect dental professional. However, there are thousands of registered dentists in South Africa, some of whom practice in your area. Your search may find you in many dental offices before you make a final decision. But how do you make your final decision?

Dentists Near Me Who Might Not Be the Best Option

 

Not all dentists in your area will be suitable for you and your family. Here are four alarm bells to look out for when searching for your next dentist:

 

• Office Organisation: The practice should be neat, tidy and free of dust and grime, at all times, and, unless children are playing with them, kids’ toys and magazines should be kept clean and neatly packed and organised.

• Staff Personalities: Dentists should hire staff whose professional approach aligns with their practices’ mission and vision. Stellar customer service and care should be a priority.
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• Children’s Perspectives: Do your children respond well to the staff, dentist and general atmosphere? If they respond negatively to the staff, then it may be best to find another dentist.
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• Limited Options: If your prospective dentist cannot offer additional services like specialised treatment or X-rays under the same roof and this convenience is important to you, then keep exploring.

Where to Find the Perfect Dentist

 

Conveniently located in cities and their surrounding suburbs across South Africa, our dedicated, qualified and professional dental personnel at Intercare Medical and Dental Clinics offer most dental procedures. From oral hygiene and teeth whitening to more specialised services, our kind and understanding dental staff will see to your whole family’s dental health. Whether young or old, we will refresh that smile! Make an appointment to see one of our dentists and see how easy it is to find the ideal dentist near you. Intercare – leaders in your and your family’s health.

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