Find the Best Dentist in Los Angeles, 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 Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment.
Using Review Sites
Review sites like Yelp, Zocdoc, OpenCare, Healthgrades, and Google Business can all be useful in the process of finding a dentist. However, it is essential to know how to use and navigate these sites successfully. It is not uncommon to find false reviews, and some review sites may even hide or delete negative reviews altogether. Sort reviews by most recent to look for patterns that may indicate patterns of bad behavior.
Furthermore, keep in mind that even authentic reviews are more likely to be negative than positive. This is due to the fact that most people are more apt to write about negative experiences than they are positive ones. Look through multiple review sites to gauge what the general consensus is about the practice.
“Look through multiple review sites to gauge what the general consensus is about the practice.”
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
One of the strongest recommendations for the right dentist can come from one's own family, close friends, and co-workers. Individuals may want to ask people they know and trust who they turn to for their oral health needs. It is also good to find people who have had work done beyond a standard cleaning. A person who has had considerable work done and still raves about their dentist may have a provider to consider.
It is also helpful to ask one's family doctor or local pharmacist for a referral. These medical professionals have extensive knowledge about their area and often get feedback from patients. Those who are moving may want to ask their current dentist for a recommendation.
“One of the strongest recommendations for the right dentist can come from one’s own family, close friends, and co-workers.”
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 Los Angeles, CA
How to Start Your Search
Before starting the search, a prospective patient needs to figure out what is most important to them and their family regarding dental care. For example, many people like their dentist to be near home, work, or school and have convenient office hours. This makes it easier to keep appointments or stop by in case of an emergency.
Furthermore, prospective patients with children may need an office that offers pediatric dentistry, while prospective patients with mobility issues will need an office that is handicap accessible. By doing a little research on one's "must-haves," prospective patients will be able to determine if it is even worth their time to schedule an appointment at a practice in the first place.
Once one has compiled a good list of candidates, it is time to head to the dentists' websites to learn more about the office and see if they have a social media presence to help get the overall picture.
“Before starting the search, a prospective patient needs to figure out what is most important to them and their family regarding dental care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who should I ask about finding the right dentist?
Q. What do I need to know before starting the search for a dentist?
Q. What other resources can I use to find a dentist?
Q. How can I incorporate review sites into my search?
Q. How can I integrate social media into my search for the right dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. What do routine and deep cleanings involve?
Q. Why do I need routine dental treatment?
Q. What other preventative services are available?
Q. How does dental insurance work?
Weighing Patient Reviews
Local and state dental societies are also good resources. One can find a list of these societies on the American Dental Association's (ADA) website. These societies will show which dentists in the community are members. Additionally, one can use the ADA website to search for member dentists in the community by location, the type of dentist, and the maximum distance from your preferred location.
Most importantly, the right dentist will be board-certified and have a current registration with their state's dental board.
“Local and state dental societies are also good resources.”
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 Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles at 310-906-1300 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
- Vatan Dental Group was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #49259). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1740278662). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Back to top of Find the Best Dentist in Los Angeles