Maybe you’ve moved to a new town. Maybe you changed insurance carriers. Maybe it’s simply time for someone new. Whatever your reason, finding a new dentist does not have to be like pulling teeth.

With so many options available, ranging from solo practitioners to busy clinics, picking the right dentist for you and/or your family requires the same amount of research as for any other business.

If you’re looking for a new dentist, your BBB recommends that you:

• Check with BBB for a list of Accredited dentists. Also, ask for referrals from friends and families and find out how long they’ve been seeing their dentist and why they recommend him or her. If you’re looking for a dentist for a child, consider a pediatric dentist; find out if parents can be in the treatment room with their child.
• Contact your local or state dental society. The American Dental Association provides a list of local and state dental societies at ada.org.
• Check with your insurance company to find out which dentists are covered under your plan and what your copay is for services. Sometimes a dentist not covered by your insurance may be your first choice, but knowing this allows you to discuss possible discounts or considerations with him or her.
• Where was the dentist educated and trained? What’s his/her approach to preventive dentistry?
• Visit the dental office and ask questions. You will probably have to make an appointment for the visit, but seeing the office and patient rooms will give you a feel for the cleanliness, comfort and friendliness of the service. You’ll also be able to gauge how quickly patients are seen.
• Learn about the dentist’s preferred method of treatment. When are pain medications offered and what types are used? How does the office work with scared children?
• Are office hours convenient? Is the office easy to get to from work or home? What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
• What is the policy regarding missed appointments? Will you be notified when it’s time for your next appointment?
• Before making that first appointment, check the dentist out with BBB at www.tucson.bbb.org.

For more consumer tips and information, visit www.tucson.bbb.org.