How to find a good dentist

Looking for a dentist in Vancouver? Here are some tips to help you find the right one
May 11, 2009 | By: The Health Local Staff

There are plenty of reasons you might be looking for a new dentist. Perhaps your current dentist has inconvenient hours. Maybe you just moved to a new city and need a new dentist. Or maybe you just need to find a dentist you trust. Whatever the reason, with dental clinics all around you, how do you choose the one that best meets your needs?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends you start your search by listing your needs, including:

• Location
• Hours of practice
• Language(s) spoken
• Generalist or specialist practice

Then, ask your family, friends, co-workers or family doctor if they can recommend a dentist who fits in with your needs. Next, try doing an Internet search on Health Local to find a dentist in your area. The dental office’s Gold Listing or website will have information (including website links) to help you determine if the dentist meets your requirements.

Once you’ve reviewed the dentists in your area, choose two or three from the list and give them a call. Ask if they are accepting new patients. By calling first, you’ll get a sense of the office environment, and can make an appointment to see if the dentist is a good match for you.

If you have dental records with another dentist, remember that original dental records belong to the dentist who provided the treatment, not the patient. According to the Canadian Dental Association, that’s because dentists have to keep all of their records for a period of time, as set out by their provincial dental regulatory body.

Once you have a new dentist, you are allowed to request that your former dentist forward a copy of your records to the new dentist. Be aware, though, that you may be required to sign a release form and you may also be charged an administrative fee.