Decoding Dental: Red Flags and Green Flags When Choosing a Dentist

How To Find the Right Dentist

No one enjoys going to the dentist, but dealing with insurance coverage issues and overwhelming treatment plans on top of it pushes the experience over the edge. As a patient, you should feel confident and comfortable at the dental office you select to monitor and treat your oral health. And if at any point something feels off, it's best to listen to your gut instinct.

Red Flags to Look For

With over fifteen years in the dental field, I've seen a thing or two that I disagree with on the dental practice side of things. As I progressed in my dental career, I quickly noticed a shift in my role from dental professional to patient advocate, and I now feel my mission is to bridge the gap between the two. To start, I want to address a few red flags that I've seen over the years, so patients also know what to be on the lookout for.

• A Struggle to Schedule: You should never feel like you're irritating the staff or as if your questions are silly. If it feels like a struggle to get on the schedule or if the staff is rude, trust your first impression and keep searching for the right dental office because that one likely isn't it.
  

• Lack of Transparency: One of my biggest pet peeves, if not the biggest, is when a dental office uses select wording to trick their patients. I've heard numerous dental coaches and dental consultants recommend certain scripts to avoid losing a potential patient. The problem with this is that it is incredibly misleading and flat-out wrong.
  
  For instance, let's say you ask the receptionist if they are in-network with your insurance. Some dental receptionists are instructed to say, "Yes, we take your insurance." Taking your insurance and being in-network with your insurance are two very different things. In-network, contracted rates are usually much lower than an office's standard fees, and not being completely clear about this up front can result in much larger (and surprise) bills in the future.
  

• "Purchased" Reviews: Found an office with a bunch of 5-star reviews but no context? Some dental offices raffle prizes, like a whitening treatment, in exchange for reviews, and while they may still be great offices, I recommend proceeding with caution if they lack detailed, genuine reviews.
  

• High-Pressure Sales: If a dentist seems more interested in upselling you their latest service than addressing your immediate dental concerns, it’s also time to reconsider. Never feel pressured to put a deposit down on a future dental treatment if you would actually feel most comfortable taking a moment to think it over.
  
  

Trust your gut feeling—if something seems off, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion.

Green Flags for a Confident Choice

On the flip side, there are several green flags that indicate you’ve found a trustworthy dentist. Here’s what to look for:

• Transparent Communication: A great dentist (and team) will take the time to explain procedures in simple terms, ensuring you understand everything from the treatment plan to the costs involved before starting any treatment.
  

• Authentic Reviews: Look for genuine patient reviews online. Consistently positive feedback about their dental care and customer service can indicate a high-quality practice.
  

• Continuing Education: A passion for dentistry and commitment to learning shows that they're up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices.
  

Finding a competent dentist can set the tone for your oral health for years to come. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek advice, and trust your instincts. It's your mouth, after all!