Find the Best Dentist in Modesto, CA
It is easy to find a dentist. However, finding the right dentist takes a little more work. From websites to social media, there are several ways to make the search process a little easier. When looking for a new dentist, you need more than a place to get your teeth cleaned. You are looking for a member of your total health care team, so it is essential to do the necessary research before making a decision.
The right dentist is available at Great Smiles Dental in Modesto and the surrounding area. Call us at (209) 222-3636 to schedule an appointment.
Using Review Websites
Online review sites are one of the best places to start looking for a nearby dentist. It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture. Some review sites remove negative reviews or tend to hide them at the bottom. Be sure to filter the reviews by the most recent and look for patterns appearing in the comments that may indicate a problem.
Google contains more than half of all reviews worldwide. A practice with multiple positive reviews will be one of the first things a prospective patient sees when searching for the right dentist. Google reviews are very popular and are an excellent place to start to help add or eliminate providers from your list.
Healthgrades has millions of reviews for dentists and offers a search function to find a dentist in the area quickly. Patients can also use this site to request an appointment. Zocdoc is another website that also lets patients search for dentists using ZIP code, insurance, availability, and languages.
Vitals and 1-800-Dentist are two other web resources. 1-800-Dentist takes it a bit further, asking patients to fill out a short questionnaire. Once it has been completed, an operator calls the patient with options that meet the criteria they indicated.
When using a review site, individuals should look beyond the number of stars and focus on the patient comments. After reading several, they can better understand what people like and do not like about a particular dental practice.
“It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture.”
Using Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the most valuable insights one can get when searching for a new dentist. These types of recommendations often allow individuals to get firsthand feedback from a dentist's actual patients. According to WebMD, it may help one to ask their friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers for any referrals. Even a family doctor or local pharmacist may be able to provide a recommendation.
Patients looking for a new dentist because they are moving may also want to consider asking their current dentist if they know anyone in the area. The American Dental Association (ADA) also has a Find-a-Dentist® tool to assist individuals searching for a new dentist.
“Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the most valuable insights one can get when searching for a new dentist.”
Using Social Media
In today's day and age, social media is more popular and inescapable than ever. It should come as no surprise, then, that many patients find their dentist through Facebook, Twitter, or other forms of social media. Certain forms of social media, such as Facebook, also allow reviews on their website.
Prospective patients can learn several things about a dental office through its Facebook page. For example, many dentists share updates about their service offerings, team members, and patient testimonials. All of this information can be incredibly useful in the search for the right dentist. Alternatively, patients may choose to use social media to seek out recommendations from their trusted friends, family, or even neighbors.
“Prospective patients can learn several things about a dental office through its Facebook page.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find the Best Dentist in Modesto, CA
Starting Your Search
Patients must know what they are looking for before they begin their search. Though any kind of dentist can offer regular checkups and cleanings, different dentists have their own unique set of skills. As such, patients should consider the type of dentistry that will best suit their needs. Patients looking to straighten their teeth, for example, should look for someone who offers orthodontic services.
Other important factors to take into consideration include the proximity of the office, the friendliness of the staff, and the convenience of the office hours. Many patients feel more comfortable knowing that their dentist is close by, especially in case of emergency. Once one has all these factors in mind, they can then begin their search.
“Patients must know what they are looking for before they begin their search.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do I use a review website to find a dentist?
Q. Who should I ask for word-of-mouth referrals?
Q. How can I integrate social media into my search for the right dentist?
Q. What should I know before beginning my search for a dentist?
Q. What other resources are available to me while searching for a new dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. What do routine and deep cleanings involve?
Q. Why do I need routine dental treatment?
Q. How does dental insurance work?
Q. Why are routine dental checkups and care important?
Using Other Resources
If all else fails, it is always a good idea to contact the local or state dental society. A list of such societies can be found on the ADA's website, where patients can see which dentists in the community are members.
By using these accredited resources and publications, patients can rest assured knowing that they are choosing to get care from providers who have voluntarily taken the extra step to commit to the ADA principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity.
“If all else fails, it is always a good idea to contact the local or state dental society.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I know what kind of dentist I need?
A. Everyone should see a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, some patients may have needs that extend beyond the scope of a general dentist. Our team can refer patients out to specialists as necessary.
Q. Why are regular dental visits necessary?
A. Regular dental visits are an integral part of preventative dentistry. They allow dentists to catch problems before they have the chance to worsen (or even occur at all).
Q. How can I find dental healthcare when I have a preexisting condition?
A. It is crucial to mention this detail to prospective dentists, as certain preexisting conditions may complicate dental healthcare. Ask potential dentists if they have any experience treating similar patients.
Q. What kind of questions should I ask a prospective dentist?
A. Patients should never feel shy to ask any questions they may have about a prospective dentist. After all, one's oral health is something to take seriously. Make sure to ask about where each dentist was educated and trained, how they approach preventative dentistry, and whether or not they offer any types of anesthesia.
Q. What are the signs of a bad dental office?
A. Warning signs of a bad dental office include a generally unkempt appearance and rude or impatient team members. Such practices also typically only offer limited treatment options and shut down any questions immediately with a rude or defensive attitude. If you feel uncomfortable about your treatment at any point, you should move onto the next dentist right away.
Dental Terminology
Finding the Right Dentist For You
Spending a little time doing the necessary research will help ensure you connect with the right dentist for your family. Call Great Smiles Dental in Modesto at 209-222-3636 to learn more about the services we offer.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Great Smiles Dental was established in 2014.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Modesto, Oakdale, Turlock, Tracy, Stockton, Lathrop, Ripon, Atwater, Salida, Manteca and Ceres
- CA (License #33512). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1629180617). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
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