Your search for a dentist can begin with you asking for recommendations from friends and family. Find people you trust and ask how satisfied they are with their dentist. Keep in mind the names of both those that are liked and those that aren’t, as both can be useful for you when making a general list. Try going to a dental school nearby and asking for the names of practicing faculty members.

Once you have a list of names, you should always interview the candidates. Find out what their credentials are, where they received their education, and how much experience they have. Don’t be afraid to request references and testimonials, as those will provide you with feedback from other customers.

Ask your dentist candidates for the pricing. If they can not answer you directly, you might want to move on. You should be aware of how much the procedure will cost, and whether there could be additional fees not mentioned in the beginning. Ask the dentist what the possible side effects could be, and how much those could cost you. Don’t forget to find out if the dentist you are interviewing takes your insurance plan.

During your fist visit, your dentist should perform a thorough check of your dental and medical history, as well as a head and neck check (which should be done every six months after that). Your dentist should consistently invite you back for check-ups and offer advice on how to keep up good oral hygiene. The dentist should also take X-rays, though not more than approximately one every five years. Also, your dentist should be willing to explain to you how they keep their work space sanitary, and they should wear both gloves and a mask.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the dentist you choose. This is important as you will come back to them every six months. Look for good customer service—the dentist should be friendly, willing to answer all of your questions, patient, and meticulous. They should be prepared to give you information that they might not have on hand, and to recommend treatments and products. Of course, be wary of dentists who are pushy and try too hard to sell their services.