How to Choose the Right Dental Office in Ashburn, VA
A child can experience fears and outbursts at the dentist. Here are some super useful tips for relaxing your child from a family dentist Ashburn VA.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile, finding the right dental team should be a top priority. The field of dentistry is full of specialized doctors who focus on various aspects of dental health. Pediatric dentists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists are just a few examples.
With a little research, you and your family can find the best dental office in Ashburn, VA. Here are the top eight tips for choosing the right dentist for you and your family.
1. Collect Referrals
The best source for unbiased information comes from close friends and families. Ask friends, family members, and healthcare workers who you trust to provide you with a list of recommendations. This is a great way to start off with a list of trusted dentist candidates.
Even at this early stage, be sure to only make a list of dentists who will serve you or your family's needs long-term. Your friend may love his or her prosthodontist, but that specialty won't help you when you need routine dental care like cleanings.
2. Research the Dentist's Credentials
All dentists have completed college and dental school, but the credentials of various dentists vary widely. When looking for the best dentist in your area, consider the following.
Look at where your prospective dentist went to college and graduate school. Dr. Aman Sabharwal earned his BS in computer science at Virginia Tech before he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia in 2011.
Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia completed his residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Brooklyn Hospital Center and Cornell School of Medical Sciences.
Education doesn't have to end with dental school. Many dentists enroll in advanced programs after dental school. For example, Dr. Sabharwal participated in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AGED) program at Temple University.
Finally, look at each dentist's website to see what professional memberships and affiliations the doctor has. One good organization membership to look for is with the
American Dental Association.
3. Customer Reviews
Patient reviews offer a great source of feedback from people who have worked directly with a dentist. Most dentists list patient feedback on their websites. If they don't, consider that a red flag.
Facebook is another source of reviews. Yelp and Zodoc.com are also good sources of patient reviews.
Look for reviews from patients who have similar needs as you do. For example, if you are looking for a dental home for your family, see what other parents say about how well the dentist works with kids.
4. Look at Services Offered
Dentists specialize in certain procedures based on their past training and experience. One way to ensure that you are not frequently referred out to other dentists is to work with a dentist who can perform a wide range of procedures.
At Simply Smiles, Dr. Sabharwal and Dr. Bhatia perform a
wide range of cosmetic and restorative treatments for patients of all ages. This allows our office to rarely need to refer out any of our patients.
5. Consider Location
Even with just dental cleanings and exams, you'll be visiting your dentists twice a year to undergo dental hygiene cleanings. If you are considering teeth straightening through the use of clear aligners, then you'll require several visits a year or more for aligner checkups.
Simply Smiles is conveniently located near the Ashburn Village Center shopping mall in Ashburn, VA.
6. Dental Technology
Look at the dentist's website to see what type of dental technology the office offers. If the dentist has not invested in new technology, consider that a bad sign. Dentistry is continually evolving, and much of that growth is driven by innovations in technology.
If you aren't sure what to look for, here are a few examples.
- CEREC
- Panoramic x-rays
- Digital imaging
During your visit to a dental office, ask what types of dental technology they offer. Most offices should be happy to offer a
brief office tour.
7. Evaluate the Staff
You can learn a lot by how politely someone answers the phone. When you work with a dentist, you are working with his or her entire dental team, and those teammates should make a good first impression. Dental hygienists, for example, can be just as important for your oral health as doctors are.
Many websites include biographical information on dental team members. Consider only working with dental teams that make you feel welcome.
8. Does the Dentist Work With Kids?
Not every dentist works with children. If you are seeking dental care for your entire family, look for dentists who describe their practice as "family dentistry."
A family dentist understands how to help children and teens feel comfortable at the dentist's office. The best family dentists can even make visits fun for your kids!
At Simply Smiles, we love working with children of all ages. We believe that teaching good oral hygiene habits to your children sets them on the path of a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Work With the Best Dental Office in Ashburn, VA
Are you looking for the best dental office in Ashburn, VA? Finding the right match for you and your family takes time. While you are looking, we encourage you to schedule a visit to our state-of-the-art dental office.
We take pride in the fact that many of our new patients are referrals from current patients. To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online.
