When choosing a dentist you want to start with the basics. We talked about how having regular dental visits is important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Therefore choosing a dentist that you will like and go to is just as important.  Here are some basic tips on how to find a dentist and what you may want to consider.

* Is the dental office easy to get to from your home or job? Location is key if a dental office is too far you may be less willing to go.

* Do they have convenient office hours? Like the above dental office hours are important in being able to make and keep regular dental appointments. Don’t forget to ask if they are open on a Saturday or do they have a day that they work longer for people getting off of work.

* If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network? Keep in mind with plans like HMO insurance, you have to choose a dentist in their network of providers. Where as other plans like PPO prefer you choose a dentist in their network but will normally let you go outside their provider list (sometimes at reduce benefits) keeping in mind when you do so you increase your risk of having UCR fees.

* Doctor-patient communication is very important. Do you need translation or interpreter services? This is important if English is not your first languish and you would prefer a dentist that speaks or has someone that speaks another languish beyond English.