Choosing a new dentist is a big decision that requires some thought and planning. While you can certainly change dentists, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. In this article, we’ll discuss the key factors to weigh when considering switching dental care providers.
When is it time to find a new dentist?
Here are some common reasons people look for a new dentist:
- You’ve moved to a new location
- Your dentist has retired or left the practice
- You’re dissatisfied with the care you’ve received
- Your dental insurance has changed
- Your dentist doesn’t accept your new insurance plan
- You need a specialist your current dentist doesn’t offer
- You want a practice that’s more convenient to your home or work
While finding a new dentist may take some effort, it’s worth it to find someone you’re comfortable with. The right dentist-patient relationship is built on trust and good communication.
How to choose a new dentist
Selecting a new dental care provider is an important health care decision. Here are some tips for finding the right dentist for you:
Check with your dental insurance plan
If you have dental insurance, your insurer can share a list of in-network dentists in your area. This can significantly narrow your search. Be sure to ask about the dentists’ specialties and confirm they are currently accepting new patients.
Ask people you trust
Speaking with friends, coworkers, neighbors and other health care providers you see can yield great referrals for dentists. Ask about the dentists’ bedside manner, availability for appointments and office policies.
Research credentials
Today, there are many ways to research dentists’ backgrounds online. Look for dentists who:
- Attended an accredited dental school
- Hold an active state license
- Are board certified in their specialty, if applicable
- Have professional memberships in the ADA, AGD or other respected dental organizations
Schedule a consultation
Once you’ve narrowed your search, call to schedule a consultation with your top choices. This gives you a chance to visit the office, meet the dentist and ask important questions before committing to care.
Questions to ask a new dentist
During your consultation, here are some helpful questions to ask:
- Do you accept my dental insurance plan?
- Are you currently accepting new patients?
- What are your office hours?
- How far in advance do I need to schedule appointments?
- What hospital are you affiliated with?
- What dental procedures do you perform here versus refer out?
- How quickly can I get an appointment if an urgent dental issue arises?
- How can I reach your on-call dentist if I have an after-hours dental emergency?
- Do you have pediatric dentists on staff?
Pay attention to how comfortably you communicate with the dentist. Do you feel heard and understood? Does the dentist answer all your questions thoroughly? The ideal dentist-patient relationship requires good rapport and communication.
Getting your dental records transferred
Once you choose a new dentist, you’ll need to have your dental records transferred from your previous dentist. This ensures your new dentist has your full health history to make informed care recommendations.
By law, your former dentist must comply with your written request to transfer records. In most cases, you’ll just need to sign a release form with your new dentist, who will handle requesting the records on your behalf.
Expect a processing time of around 5-7 business days. Digital records can sometimes transfer faster. Your former dentist may charge a reasonable fee to cover copying costs.
Transitioning dental treatments
Will transferring dentists disrupt any ongoing treatments? Here’s an overview of how to transition common dental procedures:
Braces
If you have braces, talk with both your former and new orthodontists about the best way to continue treatment. In some cases, the same orthodontist may have multiple office locations you can transfer to instead. Expect that your new orthodontist will perform an evaluation and may recommend slightly different treatment timing.
Implants or dentures
For dental implants or dentures in progress, your new prosthodontist may want to re-evaluate the treatment plan and perform new imaging or impressions. Bring any temporary prosthetics or implants so they can be properly matched.
Root canals
For root canals in progress, your new dentist will want an x-ray to see the current status. From there, they can schedule visits to finish treating the tooth.
Gum disease treatment
If you’re receiving specialty periodontal care, your new periodontist will first perform a full exam and review your records. Expect a potential change in treatment approach depending on their assessment.
When is it too late to switch dentists?
Generally, it’s best to switch dentists at the beginning of a new course of treatment, rather than mid-process. However, transferring care is still possible in most situations with proper coordination between your dentists.
Communicate clearly with your new dentist so they understand where you are with any ongoing treatment. Be prepared that switching later into treatment may require some revision to get back on track.
Can I return to my previous dentist?
In most cases, yes. If you end up dissatisfied with your new dentist after making a switch, you can return to your previous provider, assuming they still accept your insurance. Simply request to have your dental records transferred back.
Just be aware that switching dentists multiple times in a short period can lead to fragmentation in your care. Try to give your new dentist a fair chance for at least 6-12 months unless there are serious issues.
Conclusion
Changing dentists is a big step but quite feasible with proper planning. Do research to find a skilled dentist you feel comfortable with. Schedule a consultation before committing to care. Have your dental records transferred to avoid gaps in treatment history. Communicate closely with your dentists throughout the transition. While it takes some effort, switching providers allows you to receive optimal individualized dental care.