In the last year, approximately 35 percent of adults in the U.S. did not visit the dentist.
Are you one of these people? Can you not even remember the last time you saw a dentist?
If this is the case and you’re located in the Katy area, keep reading. Outlined below are some tips that will help you find the best dentist in Katy, TX, so you can start making your oral health a priority.
Seek Out Referrals
If you’re feeling totally lost when looking for the best dentist in Katy, TX, a good place to start is by asking for referrals.
Do you have friends or family in the area? If so, ask them which dentist they go to. You could also ask a coworker if you don’t have any friends or relatives close by.
Use the referrals as a jumping-off point. Write them down on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone, then start narrowing down the list until you find the best dentist for you.
Research Their Credentials
When it comes to narrowing down your list, one of the first things to do is to research each dentist’s credentials.
Where did they receive their training? How long have they been practicing dentistry? Do they specialize in a specific type of dentistry, like cosmetic treatments or pediatric care?
During this stage, you may also want to do some extra research to see if each dentist’s license is up to date. You can check to make sure they don’t have complaints against them, too.
Look at Their List of Services
Next, take a look at the dentist’s list of services. Most of the time, this list will be available on their website.
The majority of dentists can handle general dentistry (cleanings, fillings, etc.). However, if you’re looking for something specific, such as dental implants in Katy, TX, you may need to do a bit of extra digging to find someone who can accommodate your needs.
Don’t Forget About Emergency Services
When you’re looking into different dental services, be sure to consider whether or not the dentist offers emergency services. Can they help you out if you have a broken tooth or damaged implant after hours?
Ideally, you’ll never need these services. We all know that things can wrong at the drop of a hat, though, so it’s good to keep them in mind.
Consider Their Gender
Another factor to consider when narrowing down your list is the dentist’s gender.
Would you feel more comfortable working with a dentist who shares your gender? For example, some women prefer to work with a female dentist rather than a male one.
If this is the case for you, be sure to check the dentist’s gender before you schedule an appointment.
Look at Their Location
You know you want to work with a Katy dentist. Where in Katy, specifically, would you like them to be located, though?
Would you like to see a dentist who’s located close to your office so you can schedule appointments before or after work? Do you want to see a dentist who’s located close to your home so you don’t have to travel far to get to them in an emergency?
Take note of each dentist’s location (you can use a tool like Google Maps to get a better sense of the area if you’re not sure exactly where their offices are). Then, cross the ones off your list that are too far out of your way.
Check Their Hours and Availability
When choosing between different Katy dental offices, take note of their hours and availability, too.
Are they open early in the morning so you can schedule appointments before work? Are they open later in the evenings so you can squeeze an appointment in after your shift is finished?
Most dentists these days offer extended hours to accommodate their patient’s busy schedules. Don’t just assume they’ll have hours that work for you, though. Look them up, specifically, so you don’t get hit with an unpleasant surprise later.
Furthermore, be sure to reach out and ask about availability. How soon can they get you in for a cleaning or consultation?
Remember, there’s a dentist shortage in the U.S. right now, so some dentists may have longer waiting lists than others.
Ask About Insurance
When looking for a new dentist, including one with a Katy or Cinco Ranch dental practice, you must check with your insurance provider to make sure their services are covered.
Reach out to your provider to find out which dentists are part of your network. This will help you avoid having to pay out of pocket or spend a lot of money on basic dental care.
If you don’t have insurance, talk to the dentist’s office to see if they offer payment plans or cash discounts. This can help you plan ahead and budget properly so you can still afford to get your teeth taken care of on a regular basis.
Read Reviews
Finally, read reviews. Search on third-party review sites using terms like “dentist near Katy, TX” to see which dentists in your area have the best ratings or seem to be most loved by their patients.
This helps you get a sense of what people like and don’t like about a particular dentist. You can also gain valuable insight on things like their bedside manner or the quality of their work.
Work with the Best Dentist in Katy, TX Today
If you’re looking for a great dentist, don’t just type “dentist near me” into Google and hope everything works out.
Now that you know how to find the best dentist in Katy, TX, it’s time to start your search. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have no trouble finding a great family dentist or cosmetic dentist in the area.
If you want to work with someone who checks all the boxes mentioned above, contact us today at Katy Gentle Dentists.
We’re a team of Cinco Range dentists offering cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry to patients throughout the Katy area. We can’t wait to help you look and feel your best.