Using Review Site

• Online review sites are one of the best places to start looking for a nearby dentist. Compare multiple reviews across different platforms—some sites hide negative feedback or rank it lower. Filter by most recent and watch for recurring themes in patient comments.
• • Google: Over half of all global reviews are on Google. Practices with many positive ratings will appear at the top when you search “dentist near me.”
• • Healthgrades: Millions of patient reviews. You can also directly request an appointment through the site.
• • Zocdoc: Search by ZIP code, insurance, availability, and language preferences.
• • Vitals: Focused on medical professional ratings.
• • 1-800-DENTIST: Fill out a short questionnaire and receive a callback with options matching your criteria.
• Look beyond star ratings—read comments to understand what patients like or dislike about each practice.

Word-of-Mouth Referrals

One of the strongest recommendations comes from family, close friends, or co-workers. Ask people you trust where they go for their dental care—especially if they’ve had complex procedures beyond a routine cleaning. Your family doctor or local pharmacist may also refer you, as they often hear patient feedback. If you’re moving, ask your current dentist for a recommendation in your new area.

Social Media Search

• Social media plays a major role in today’s search. On Facebook—the second-largest review platform—dentists with strong patient feedback rank higher in local searches.
• • Facebook Business Pages: Look for posts about services, staff, and patient testimonials to gauge practice culture.
• • Nextdoor: A neighborhood-focused network that requires proof of residency. You’ll get candid, localized recommendations from neighbors.
• Dentists who actively engage on social media often share before-and-after photos, community involvement, and patient success stories—providing insight into whether they’re a good fit.

How to Start Your Search

Before you begin, identify your “must-haves.” Do you need evening or weekend hours? Is proximity to home, work, or school critical? If you have children, look for a practice offering pediatric care. If you have mobility issues, ensure the office is handicap-accessible. By listing priorities up front, you can quickly exclude practices that don’t meet your basic requirements. Once you have a shortlist, visit their websites and social media profiles to learn about office environment, team qualifications, and patient reviews.

Weighing Patient Reviews

Local and state dental societies are also excellent resources. Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website to find state or local society memberships—dentists who are active in professional organizations tend to stay current with best practices. Always verify that a dentist is board-certified and in good standing with the state dental board before scheduling an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can Google help me find a good dentist? A: Yes. Search “dentist near me” and look for practices with high star ratings. Read patient comments to identify strengths and potential red flags.
• Q: Should I use other review sites? A: Absolutely. Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, Vitals, and 1-800-DENTIST offer detailed reviews and specialized search filters (insurance, availability, language).
• Q: Are referrals a good option? A: Yes. Ask friends, family, co-workers, your family doctor, or your local pharmacist. Firsthand patient recommendations reveal what it’s truly like in that office.
• Q: What should I consider while looking for a dentist? A: Determine your non-negotiables (location, hours, pediatric care, accessibility). Narrow your search to practices that meet those needs before scheduling visits.
• Q: What should I do after I find some good options? A: Visit each practice’s website and social media pages. Look for staff bios, patient testimonials, and photos of the office. Then call to schedule initial consultations to meet the dentist and staff in person.

Dental Terminology

• • Cosmetic Dentistry: Any dental work aimed at improving the appearance of teeth, gums, or bite—often overlapping with restorative procedures.
• • Decay: The process by which enamel erodes due to plaque acids, leading to cavities.
• • Dental Caries: Also known as cavities. Holes in teeth caused by bacterial plaque.
• • Dental Checkup: Routine visit that includes cleaning, examination, and X-rays (every six months or as recommended).
• • Dental Filling: Restorative material (metal, alloy, porcelain, or composite) used to fill cavities and restore tooth structure.
• • Dental Prophylaxis: Professional cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains to prevent gum disease.
• • Dental Sealants: Liquid resin applied to chewing surfaces of molars to seal deep grooves and prevent decay.
• • Dentist: A licensed professional (dental surgeon) who diagnoses, prevents, and treats oral diseases and conditions.
• • Gingivitis: Inflammation of gum tissue, caused by plaque buildup—often the first stage of gum disease.
• • Preventive Dentistry: Dental care focused on maintaining oral health to prevent disease—includes cleanings, exams, and patient education.
• • Tartar: Hardened plaque (calculus) that must be removed by a dental professional.
• • Tooth Enamel: The hard, outer layer of a tooth that protects underlying dentin and pulp from damage and decay.