23% of Americans skipped some form of medical care in 2023. Dental care was the most commonly skipped at 19%
New York ranks seventh in the country in terms of accessibility to dental care. There are 72.3 dentists per 100,000 residents. That’s 19.7% away from the national average.
The cost was the primary factor for skipping dental visits. It can be difficult to sort through all of those choices to find a high-quality, affordable option. Getting it right the first time ensures you find a trustworthy caregiver who understands your needs and medical history.
What should you look for in your search? Read our guide to choosing the best dentist in Rochester, NY
Look at Their Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and experience are perhaps the most important factors when choosing a dentist. It’s the first place to look when researching.
Check out their title first. They should, at minimum, have a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree.
Look for board certification. It shows a level of current competence and a commitment to furthering their education. Extra certifications beyond this are icing on the cake. They’re only necessary if you require highly specialized care.
Check their experience with cases like yours. Everyone’s case is unique, but a long history of handling issues like yours is more important than just having been in business for years.
Look at their entire history in the field, both positive and negative. What’s their success rate in performing the types of procedures you need? Do they have any malpractice or disciplinary claims against them?
Check the Services Offered
Dental care is more than simple cleanings and checkups. Walking up to an office and finding out they can’t provide the care you need is like going to a restaurant only to find your favorite item is now off the menu.
Think about what services you’ll need now and down the road. Do you need a specialist or more generalized care? Find out what types of dentists offer them.
Try to avoid choosing a family dentist who doesn’t also have experience with the restorative dentistry services you need. Otherwise, you’ll waste time looking for two locations.
Look for a full list of their services on their website. This is also where you can find out about the experiences patients had with these different types of services.
Get Referrals and Read Reviews
Reputation is almost as important as experience when it comes to finding medical care. 70% of patients say reviews are as important as a doctor’s credentials. 72% use them as the first step when evaluating new doctors.
One thing that makes dentist selection in Rochester a bit easier is how prevalent dental care is. Everyone needs it, so you’ll have plenty of opinions to draw from.
Ask for referrals from:
- Doctors
- Friends
- Family
- Coworkers
Check the dentist’s patient reviews. Focus on any areas that numerous past patients found particularly great or disliked about them. Is everyone saying they had a wonderful bedside manner or that there were long wait times at the clinic?
Research The Clinic
Looking for a dentist also means looking for a clinic. The best dentist in Rochester, NY will also have the best area to work in and the latest technology to work with.
That may include telehealth services. Minor issues could be conveniently handled via:
- Two-way video
- Smartphones
Look at the physical location even if you are visiting virtually. It should be conveniently located close to your home or your children’s school. They should also offer flexible scheduling that meets your schedule and allows you to come in right away for emergencies.
Visit the clinic to gauge its cleanliness and organization. A clear space helps everyone work better. If you have children, a welcoming environment helps them feel less frightened about going to the dentist.
Call up the staff to schedule a consultation. Make sure they respond quickly and aren’t rude or dismissive.
Communicate
Speaking with the dentist and other staff allows you to see if they have that essential but indefinable quality; bedside manner.
Communicate with them about your dental health. Reflect on how the consultation went afterward by asking a few important questions.
Do they answer all your questions knowledgeably? Do they make you feel heard? Does it seem like they want to get to know you so they can provide you with the best possible care? Can they provide the types of dental care tips Rochester patients like you need to know?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, you may want to move on. Schedule a consultation with several dentists to compare their best qualities and find the best option for you.
Count the Cost
A 2023 study found that 40.3% of dental spending comes from out-of-pocket costs. That high number has caused 1/3 of Americans to avoid necessary dental care.
Count the cost of Rochester dental services in advance. It’s the best way to keep it from preventing you from getting the care you need. It also saves you from spending too much.
You’re not only looking for the top dentists in Rochester NY. You’re looking for the top ones you can afford. Verify that the dentist accepts your insurance before you go there.
You also need to know exactly what you’ll be paying for. All fees and payment structure options should be explained before any treatment is scheduled. A surprise fee hurts almost as much as a toothache.
Schedule an Appointment with the Best Dentist in Rochester, NY
Finding the best dentist in Rochester, NY means answering several important questions. Are they experienced and qualified? Do they offer the service you need? Do they have a positive reputation? Is their clinic clean and organized? Do they communicate well with you? Do they accept your insurance and lay out their payment options?
Albee Family Dental Care has a compassionate team led by Dr. Albee, a dentist with over 20 years of experience. We offer compassionate care in a welcoming environment.
We use the latest technology tools and materials to provide you with high-quality service. Schedule an appointment today.
