If you’ve recently moved or added another member to the family, you’ll need to find a new dentist near you. But what qualifications should you look for in a family dentist? Here’s are ten tips that can help you find the best family dentist for your needs in Fontana.

1. Ask for Referrals

There’s an old saying that the best advertising is word-of-mouth, and there’s a lot of truth to the claim. Satisfied customers can help businesses, including dental practices to grow exponentially. So, begin asking your colleagues, family members, and friends if they have a dentist that they really like. Then, if that dentist provides the services that you and your children need, start doing a bit more research.

2. Read Reviews

Once you’ve received a referral, run a search of them online. Look for mostly positive Google reviews or Yelp reviews. Take note of what the reviewers say they like most about the dentist. For example, if you’re extremely fearful of going to the dentist, you may look for reviews that state the dentist is gentle, reassuring, or even provides laughing gas for nervous patients. Likewise, if you generally have a very tight schedule, look for reviews that mention short wait times, easy scheduling, or extended or weekend availability.

3. Review the Services Offered

Not all dentists offer all dental treatments. So, if you’re looking for the right family dentist near you, make sure that they offer the specific treatments you need. For example, you may need pediatric dental service, in addition to Invisalign for a teen, and/or restorative treatment for yourself or your partner. Most dentists list the services they provide on their websites. However, if you’re ever in doubt, just give the office a call, and ask. To treat the unique needs of patients of all ages, family dentists should offer the following services:

  • Crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Dental implants
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • Fillings
  • Gum disease treatment
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Invisalign
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Root canals
  • Preventative cleanings and exams
  • Teeth whitening
  • TMJ therapy

4. Look for the Latest Dental Technology

Dental care has evolved rapidly thanks to technology. Dental treatments that were once long, and occasionally grueling can now be done painlessly and quickly if the dentist has invested in the latest dental technology. Make sure the dentist offers digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and other imaging technologies by calling the office, or looking at their website. If you don’t find the specific technology online, you will know by looking for services such as Invisalign, and dental implants that the office is fully equipped with sophisticated technologies.

5. Confirm Qualifications and Experience

When looking for a dentist, be sure you confirm that they have the qualifications and experience your family needs. Look for biographies of the dentists online, to learn about their education, training, and experience.

You can also check for membership in organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA). If you or a family member will need treatments to correct crooked or misaligned teeth or problems with a misaligned bite, you can confirm that a dentist is experienced with Invisalign, by running a zip code search for providers online.

6. Make Sure They Offer Emergency Dental Treatment

When looking for a family dentist near you, make sure they offer emergency dental care. Accidents and trauma to the face from falling, sports, or an auto accident typically require immediate treatment, to preserve a tooth, or to extract a severely damaged tooth.

7. Choose a Dentist in a Location Convenient to Your Home

When searching for your family’s dentist, you will want to home in on practices that provide the services you need, near you. This is especially important in the event of a dental emergency.

8. Find a Dentist with Hours That Work for Your Family

Families with children are often so busy with work, school, sports, and extracurricular activities, that standard 9-5 dental office hours simply won’t work. If you’re considering a specific dental group, look for their hours online, or call to find out if they have evening or weekend appointments available.

9. Look for Payment Options

Routine dental cleanings and exams are typically covered by all dental insurance plans. But you need to make sure that your dentist accepts your insurance. If you’re uninsured, you may need to confirm that they accept credit cards or accept third-party financing from CareCredit and similar healthcare plans. To be sure you know what is covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.

10. Make Sure You Feel Comfortable with the Dental Team

Until you meet your dentist, it’s hard to know if they are the right dentist for your family. So it’s best to schedule a checkup and get to know the dentist. Take note of the office environment, and the personalities of the staff. Is the staff pleasant? Helpful? Do they make you want to return? Then see how you feel about the dentist. Do they communicate clearly with you? Do they answer your questions? Do you feel comfortable with them? Having a good rapport with your dentist and their staff can make going to the dentist much less intimidating, and even enjoyable.

Top Reviewed Family Dentist in Fontana

Southridge Dental Group is a top-reviewed family dental practice in Fontana. Providing complete pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics, Southridge Dental Group welcomes patients of all ages. Southridge Dental Group has a 4.9 Star Rating on Google, based on more than 185 reviews.

At Southridge Dental Group, Dr. Merchant and Dr. Saran are dedicated to helping you to achieve and maintain excellent oral health for years to come. To schedule an appointment for yourself or a child, call 909-822-9090 today. We are open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, and on the second Saturday of each month from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Southridge Dental Group is located at 14050 Cherry Avenue in Fontana.