How to Find the Best Dentist in Your Area

Start With What Matters to You

Finding a good dentist is not just about picking the closest office or the first result on Google. The right dentist for you depends on your specific needs: your insurance, your schedule, the type of care you need, and what kind of experience you want in the chair.

Here is a practical, step-by-step approach to finding a dentist you will actually want to go back to.

Step 1: Get Recommendations From People You Trust

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a dentist. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or your primary care doctor. According to the ADA’s MouthHealthy.org guide, asking a trusted friend or relative is one of the top recommended starting points.

If you are moving to a new area, ask your current dentist for a recommendation. Dentists often know colleagues in other cities and can point you in the right direction.

Step 2: Use Verified Search Tools

Online reviews are helpful, but they only tell part of the story. Pair them with more reliable resources:

• ADA Find-A-Dentist: The American Dental Association maintains a searchable database of ADA member dentists. ADA members agree to follow the ADA Code of Ethics, which includes obligations around patient autonomy, informed consent, and quality of care.
• Your state dental board: Verify that a dentist has an active license and check for any disciplinary actions.
• Your insurance provider’s directory: If staying in-network matters to you, start with your plan’s list of participating dentists.
• Independent dental directories: Directories like DentistrySelect focus specifically on independently owned practices if that is a priority for you.

Step 3: Check the Basics Before You Call

Before you pick up the phone, look into these practical details:

• Location and hours. Is the office close to your home or work? Do they have evening or weekend hours if you need them?
• Insurance. Does the practice accept your plan? If you do not have insurance, do they offer payment plans or membership programs?
• Specialties. If you need orthodontic work, pediatric care, or oral surgery, make sure the practice offers those services or can refer you to a trusted specialist.
• Emergency availability. What happens if you have a dental emergency after hours? Humana’s guide to choosing a dentist recommends asking about after-hours emergency protocols before you become a patient.

Step 4: Visit Before Committing

The ADA recommends scheduling a consultation before booking a full appointment. This gives you a chance to:

• Meet the dentist and staff.
• See the office environment (is it clean, organized, and welcoming?).
• Ask about their approach to preventive care.
• Get a sense of how they communicate. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen?

“Schedule consultation time with the dentist to meet with the dentist and staff before making an appointment,” says Dr. Taylor-Osborne, as quoted in the ADA’s guide to choosing a dentist. “Make a list of questions and bring your records so the dentist can take a look at your dental history.”

Step 5: Pay Attention to Red Flags

A few warning signs to watch for:

• Pressure to do expensive treatments right away without explaining alternatives or giving you time to think.
• Poor communication. If the dentist does not explain what they are doing or why, that is a problem.
• Difficulty getting records. The ADA Code of Ethics states that dentists have an ethical obligation to provide your records when you request them or when your new dentist requests them.
• High staff turnover. If you see different hygienists and assistants every visit, it may signal management issues.
• No clear pricing. You should be able to get cost estimates for common procedures before treatment begins.

Step 6: Evaluate After Your First Visit

After your first appointment, ask yourself:

• Did the dentist explain the findings from my exam?
• Did I feel listened to?
• Was the treatment plan explained in terms I understood?
• Was the staff friendly and professional?
• Did I feel pressured into any treatment?

If the answer to most of these is yes (and no to the last one), you have probably found a good fit.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right dentist takes a little effort upfront, but it pays off for years. A good dentist-patient relationship builds trust, which leads to better care and better outcomes. Do not settle for the first option. Take the time to find someone who fits your needs, communicates well, and makes you feel comfortable.

Need a starting point? Search the DentistrySelect directory to find independently owned dental practices near you.