Unless you have a chronic health condition or serious illness, a dentist will likely be the health care provider you see the most. The American Dental Association® recommends following a custom teeth cleaning schedule that factors in both lifestyle and oral health concerns. For this reason, it is crucial to do a little research to find the right practice. Below are a few items you should keep in mind during the search. 

What to Consider When Looking for a Dentist 

1. Proximity

If you plan on visiting the dentist during lunch, it’s important to locate a practice near work. Parents who take their kids out of class for every appointment, on the other hand, may want an office near the school. Proximity may not seem like a determining factor when choosing someone you will visit twice a year or more, but securing a provider nearby is essential for optimum convenience.

2. Office Size

A large office might have access to various resources and equipment that a small one does not, but small practices are more likely to provide personalized, one-on-one care. When it comes to finding a happy medium between the two, look for a provider with at least two dentists and five or more hygienists.

3. Hours of Operation

If your work schedule is inflexible, it’s important to consider a practice’s hours of operation. Otherwise, you may end up postponing dental care indefinitely until a serious complication or damage develops.   

4. Experience

Dentists at a family practice should have extensive experience caring for patients of all ages. If you are new to the area, you can learn more about a provider’s history by looking them up online. Reading reviews and testimonials from past patients will give you a good idea of the kind of family dentistry care they provide.

5. Payment Options

Some dental insurance plans are a lot more flexible than others. Look for a practice that accepts your insurance—or is happy to work directly with patients by offering payment plans—so you will have peace of mind when anything more than a teeth cleaning arises.

If you’re looking for a dentist who meets all of your criteria, turn to Wayne T. Martin, DDS, PC, in Gulf Shores, AL. Dr. Martin knows how to put his patients at ease from the moment they sit in the chair, and he is proud to offer preventive care for patients of all ages. Visit the practice online to learn more about the comprehensive dental care they provide, or call (251) 968-4446 to make an appointment today.