How to Find the Right Dental Specialist in Niles, IL

Dental Specialists of Niles • June 26, 2023

The dental specialist that you choose should be someone you can rely on. Find out how to find the right dental specialist in Niles, IL.

According to one survey, fear of the unknown is a major concern for over 60% of patients when visiting the dentist. That's probably why so many of us cling to our regular dentists once we get comfortable with them: it's nice to find a pro we can trust!

The problem comes when patients need more help than a general dentist can provide. How do you find and get comfortable with a dental specialist when you need in-depth oral care?

If you feel overwhelmed it's time to look for a new specialist, we've got you covered. Here's what you should know about narrowing down your options to find the perfect dental expert.

Create a Shortlist

Start your search by creating a list of dental specialists you'd like to consider.

An easy way to start is by asking your regular dentist for help. Your dentist will often refer patients to specialists for certain procedures, so they may be able to send you to a professional they trust. If you come to our clinic at Dental Specialists of Niles, it's even easier: we have a variety of specialists in one location!

If you're between dentists or if your dentist can't refer you to someone, ask for referrals from trusted friends, family members, and colleagues. The best referrals are the ones mentioning the specialist's skills, not just their kind manners.

You can also search using tools from your insurance company. On their website, they'll likely have a list of local dental specialists to choose from. Keep in mind that this is only a list of available specialists, not recommended specialists, so you'll still have to do your own research.

If there are any dental societies in your area, you can also check their website for lists and recommendations.

Seek Expertise

Once you've created a shortlist, it's time to do your homework. Because dental specialists perform such technical procedures on your teeth, you'll need someone who knows what they're doing!

See what you can find out about the specialist's education and training online. Most dental specialists spend years in school, and they'll often need to attend continuing education workshops as well. Don't forget to also check how many years of experience they have on the job.

You can also look to see whether they belong to any dental associations. Endodontists, for example, may belong to the American Association of Endodontists to get access to education, publications, and other resources.

Read Online Reviews

Next, narrow down your options even further by reading online reviews. While you can start by checking the specialist's website, you should also check third-party sites for neutral opinions. Facebook, Google, and Yelp are great places to start.

Check to see the public opinion on each specialist. What do past patients think about their dental care skills and the quality of their treatments? Do patients recommend the specialist?

A handful of complaints isn't always a deal-breaker, but be wary if you start to see a pattern of negative reviews.

Ask About the Technology

Depending on your reasons for seeking a specialist, you may want to ask about the technology they use in their procedures. Modern technology can make your experience faster and more comfortable than older tools.

If you're seeking an orthodontist, for example, you may want to ask how they do dental impressions and whether they have the latest tools for bone remodeling. If you're worried about your dental anxiety, you should ask if your specialist can offer nitrous oxide and other solutions.

Look for Convenience

Once you're sure a specialist has the right education and reputation to care for your oral health, make sure they're a convenient option. Depending on what type of specialist you choose, you may need to return for multiple visits to get cleanings or complete a procedure. Make those visits as easy as possible on yourself!

Choose a dentist with office hours that work with your schedule. After- or before-work hours are always a plus. It's also a good idea to ask in advance how long it takes to get an appointment with them.

The clinic's distance from your home or workplace should also be a factor, especially if you'll need to return more than once.

Visit in Person

Now, it's time to visit a prospective dental specialist in person. This is a great time to ask any lingering questions that you couldn't find answers to online.

Visiting the specialist's office also helps you get a sense of the atmosphere. Comfort is key when receiving oral care. It's even more important If you'll need to return for multiple appointments.

Pay attention to the clinic itself. Does the office seem neat and organized, or is it hectic? Is the staff patient enough to answer your dental health questions, or do they seem rushed?

Compare Fees

The last factor to consider is your specialist's fees. Don't hesitate to ask about typical fees for common procedures.

Make sure the specialist is in your insurance network before your first appointment. If they aren't, or if you don't have insurance, ask what kinds of payment options they provide.

Many dentists offer financing to make the cost of dental care manageable. With popular financing options like CareCredit, you don't even have to pay interest as long as you pay off the debt within a set timeframe.

Find the Right Dental Specialist

Choosing a dentist can be hard enough, but finding the right dental specialist can often feel even trickier. Fortunately, the steps above are a great way to narrow down your options and find a reputable specialist you can trust.

If you want to make the choice even easier, partner with us! At Dental Specialists of Niles, we're proud to offer convenient access to a range of specialists at one location. To learn more about our convenient treatment options, contact us today.

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