When looking for a trustworthy family dentist, parents have multiple boxes to check before booking that initial appointment (and rightfully so)!
To help, we’ve compiled a guide that breaks down different ways families can connect with a dental practice close to home. The right dentist will offer compassionate care that alleviates dental anxiety children and adults often suffer from when getting their teeth cleaned.
Picture Your Perfect Dentist
Step one of finding a Columbus, OH family dentist is deciding what you’re looking for. Here are some categories to consider before looking for a dentist to make your search less overwhelming.
Location
Columbus is a large city, so it’s helpful to think about which areas would be most convenient for your family. Start by identifying your ideal location, then consider expanding your search if that spot doesn’t work out.
Office Hours
Office hours are often a deciding factor. Some families prefer a dentist with availability outside of school or work hours, while others might look for weekend, early morning, or late evening appointments. Consider your family’s routine and what times would be easiest for regular visits.
For example, if someone in your household works half-days on Fridays, a dentist open on Friday afternoons could be a perfect match. On the other hand, a practice that only operates Monday through Thursday might not be as convenient.
Services
The range of services offered by dental practices can vary significantly. Some families prefer having separate specialists, such as a general dentist, orthodontist, emergency care provider, and pediatric dentist in Columbus. Others may prioritize the convenience of finding all these services under one roof.
If convenience is key, a practice that offers comprehensive care in one location might be ideal. However, if you already have a trusted orthodontist, this may be less of a priority.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a dentist you can trust is by asking people you already trust.
If you’re a new parent or have just moved to a new area, reaching out to your community is a great place to start. Friends with families of their own can be invaluable resources, so ask them which dentist they visit. You can also tap into online networks like neighborhood Facebook groups to gather recommendations and start the conversation.
In addition to friends and family, healthcare providers can be a helpful resource. Your primary care doctor, for instance, can point you in the right direction when it comes to finding a family dentist.
Online Research
Whether you’ve gathered recommendations from family and friends or are starting from scratch, online research is a crucial next step. It allows you to read reviews from other patients, compare locations, and get a sense of pricing.
Focus on dentists with high ratings and positive feedback. Here are a few places to start when conducting your search:
Google Business Profiles
You’ve likely encountered Google Business Profiles without realizing it. Formerly known as Google My Business, this is the panel that appears when you search for a business name or phrases like “family dentist near me.” It displays essential information such as hours, location, and reviews, helping you make informed decisions.
Here’s an example of what a Google Business Profile looks like:
Google Business profiles can offer a wealth of useful information for your search, including reviews, hours, website and social media links, services, FAQs, and more. This information is also integrated with Google Maps, making it easy to access from both desktop and mobile devices.
Yelp
Similar to Google Business Profiles, Yelp is another valuable tool for finding local businesses. There are two main ways to use Yelp.
- Checking Reviews for a Known Dentist: If you already have a specific dentist in mind and want to read additional reviews, simply search the business name followed by “Yelp.” The first result is usually exactly what you’re looking for.
- Exploring New Options: You can also use Yelp as a search engine. Just enter the category or service you’re looking for and your location on Yelp. This will produce a list of options with a map to help you visualize where each listing is without having to click on each individually.
Bing Places
Bing Places operates much like Google Business profiles but caters to those who use Bing instead of Google. A verified business listing on Bing includes contact details, services, hours of operation, and reviews. Additionally, Bing integrates these listings with Bing Maps, allowing you to easily find and access information on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Here is an example of what a verified business listing on Bing looks like:
Verify with Your Insurance Provider
After compiling a list of dentists in your area that fit your needs and preferences, the next essential step is to see which dentists are in your network. Depending on your insurance provider, this could be a lengthy list, so we recommend finding a list of 5 or so dentists that are well-reviewed in your area, and then seeing which are covered by insurance.
To find out which local dentists qualify, contact your dental insurance provider to get a list of in-network family dentists in Columbus. This ensures that the services you need are covered, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a consultation to meet the dentist and their team. This visit allows you to assess the office environment and get a sense of whether it’s a good fit for your family.
Example of a Trusted Family Dental Practice in Columbus: South High Dental
Are you looking for a Columbus, OH family dentist? Allow us to introduce ourselves! South High Dental offers comprehensive family dental services, including preventative care, restorative treatments, and emergency services. We cater to patients of all ages, making them a great choice for family dental care.
For more detailed information and to explore your options, visit our Family Dentistry page or schedule your visit online today!
