How To Find a Dentist Near Me After Moving

Moving to a new place is an exciting adventure. However, it also means you are likely to find yourself searching online to “find a dentist near me.” Whether you have started the search or are about to, a few tips can make your search faster and easier.

Tips to find a dentist near me

Identify oral healthcare needs and wants

The first thing to consider when searching for a new dentist is what type of dental care the patient will need. Especially after a move, it is easy to forget about dental care until one’s tooth gets chipped, a dental crown comes loose, or a toothache starts. Thus, it is important to consider the reason for one’s next dental visit.

Typically, general dentists can help patients needing oral exams, dental cleanings, and access to restorative services. If the patient needs something more akin to oral surgery — such as a dental bone graft to prepare for dental implant surgery — the general dentist can help them begin this process. They will then provide dental care throughout and after the healing period.

Cast a wide net

At this point, it is time to start the search. A convenient way to do this is to take the search online. A quick online search of “find a dentist near me” can yield a list of local dentists. Narrowing down the list can be as simple as looking at hours of operation, online reviews and ratings, and the dental services noted on the website.

That said, word of mouth remains an effective way to find a dentist after moving. This may be from friends, family, coworkers, or a helpful neighbor. Cast a wide net so that there are plenty of dentists to consider.

No matter how the dentist is found, always confirm the age range of their patient base. Unfortunately, some dentists only take adult patients, while others focus on those under 18. General dentists are the happy medium, serving patients of all ages.

Talk with your insurance provider

If the patient has dental insurance and wants to use it, talk with the insurance provider to confirm whether a potential dentist is covered. Insurance can also help by providing a list of covered dentists.

However, insurance provider directories can be slow to update. This can create an issue when dentists make changes such as limiting the size or age limits of their patient base. Opting for a general dentist minimizes the margin for error since they offer various services to all ages.

Speak with a few dental offices

Now, it is time to call and see if the dentists remaining on the patient’s list are a good fit. During each call, pay attention to the helpfulness and professionalism of the front desk staff. Patients can think of the front desk staff as representing the rest of the dental office. If booking an appointment is easy and they seem helpful, the dentist is also likely to be helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating.