Which family dentist you visit says a lot about you. Finding a dentist who shares your values and commitment is a significant investment that can last a lifetime. At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you find the best family dentist in the Gig Harbor/South Kitsap area. Here are the best tips and tricks for finding your ideal family dentist:
1.) Ask Family and Friends. Family and friends are excellent sources of information. They only want the best for you and will only send you to the best. Besides, their reputation may be at stake! When a family or close friend gives you a recommendation- especially within the medical world- it means a lot. Be bold, and don’t be afraid to ask. Once you have a list of potential dentists, you can further research online.
2.) Read Local Reviews. Do you ever catch yourself reading reviews on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay? The same applies in the dental sphere. Many dental clinic websites have testimonial pages. You can also find reviews online, through Google, etc. You can also filter the ratings on Google, so only clinics with four stars or higher will be visible. Filtering is a great way to cut down “the fluff” and optimize your search. Not all 5-star reviews are equal, either. Some ratings may represent the clinic’s staff, treatments, or office space. Pick what is most important to you.
3.) Pay Attention to Hours and Location. Even the best dental practice is only helpful when it’s open! The hours and location of a clinic affect accessibility, which is essential for tight schedules and dental emergencies. Timing is also critical if you have kids, a job with odd hours, or other responsibilities that may hinder you during regular office hours. Ask how long it generally takes to get in for cleanings or fillings and other restorative care. Picking a clinic that is open when it’s most convenient will save you stress in the future.
4.) Visit the Office. If you have a number of great dentists to choose from, sometimes the only way to make a decision is with a sample! Visiting an office gives you a real-life taste of each practice’s “personality” and can be especially helpful if you have a list of 2-3 dentists who seem identical on paper. When visiting each office, take note of the spaces, available treatments, and how comfortable they make you feel. Is it clean? Are the staff friendly? Are you comfortable bringing your loved ones–including children–there? Visiting the office is a great way to ask questions, take a tour, and understand the general “vibe.” And as a courtesy, you may give each office a call to set a time to do so.
5.) Explore the Website. Each dental practice’s website should tell you a lot about the practice you’re researching, from the dentist’s philosophies to services. At first glance, it should be clean, professional, and up-to-date. A “meet the team” post is a great place to start and is often found in a section called “about us.” You can read about the dentist’s credentials and passions (helpful for comparisons), as well as see other team members. The dentist may have more experience and certification or may have graduated from an esteemed dental school. The website should also discuss the practice’s available treatments and hours. Exploring dental websites is a great way to get a lay of the land and the information you’re looking for.
Great Family Dentistry on the Kitsap Peninsula
All of these tips apply to us as well! Feel free to read about our team, philosophy, payment options, dental plans, reviews, and treatments. Our website is quite thorough; you can find information on General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Emergency Dentistry, and more. We go through each category’s symptoms, treatments, and processes. Dr. Thomas Duffy and our team are excited to help your smile shine! You can learn more about our fantastic staff here.
Ready to take the next step? Find out if Peninsula Family Dentistry is for you.
Are you interested in learning more? Call us at (253) 525-5186, or contact us here.
With the right toothpaste, you can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and fight gum disease. However, brushing is just one part of a complete care solution, starting with dietary factors and cleaning techniques. Ask Dr. Duffy if he can recommend a toothpaste for you.
