Do you need to find a new dentist? Searching for the "best dentist near me" or trying to find the best dentist doesn't have to feel tedious. When you're looking for a dentist, use these five tips for a fast, easy search to address your dental problems!

Are you in Columbia, Maryland, asking: "Who is the best dentist near me or where can I find a dentist?"

If so, perhaps you're new to the area. Maybe you've become dissatisfied with the dental health service provided by your current dental office.

Recent research surveyed patients who visited the dentists in your area and explored patient satisfaction. Results found that the most frequent factor for choosing a dentist was their perceived competence. The second factor was a personal recommendation, and the third was the overall quality of service provided.

If you want to make the right choice  and find the right dentist, you need to know exactly what to look for. We'll break your search down into a series of steps, so you can be confident t in your dental treatment decisions. Read on!

1. Pick an Experienced Dentist

In addition to having a degree from a good dental school, your perfect dentist should be registered with the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA). They should also be providing general dentistry and be affiliated with a professional association, such as the American Dental Association (ADA).

Dentists who are members of associations usually have to take part in continuing education to stay on top of industry developments. Ask about any extra training your high-quality dentist may have undertaken to set them apart.

You might not immediately think about this, but for peace of mind, ask for the number of years that a dentist has been in practice. That said, even a recent graduate from dental school will still have put in countless hours of practical experience during training. 

If you need a family dentist, does the dental office you're looking at offer pediatric dentistry? Does anyone in your family have future dental health needs that might require a dental specialist? Or maybe preventative treatments like preventative dentistry and preventive care?

Does anyone in your household have dental alignment issues, or are they likely to want cosmetic dentistry in the future? Are there any concerns about cavities, root canals, or teeth whitening? It's worth exploring the additional treatments offered by the dentist you're considering. This is especially important if you've got a lot of fillings or might need special treatments down the line.

2. Check References and Reviews

Ask family members, friends, and work colleagues if they can personally recommend a great dentist or any local dentists.

In particular, ask people you know that have extensive mouth issues. If you know anyone who has fear related to dental visits, see who has worked out well for them.

Have a look at the website of any dental office that you consider, and if you like what you see, look for dental patient references and reviews. The odd bad comment on a third-party review website may not be a cause for concern, especially if it isn't recent.

If the vast majority of patients rate the dentist well, you can have confidence in the positive feedback.

3. Are They In-Network?

When considering a nearby dentist, ask them if they are in-network with your dental insurance company. This means that they've signed a contract with that company and will charge a fixed fee for services. 

If you plan to pay out-of-network costs, ask for a price list of services provided. If you don't have dental insurance but have found a dentist that you like, ask which dental insurance companies they are signed with. Armed with this knowledge, you can then choose the type of dental insurance that will cover your preferred local dental office.

Distance is also crucial. Determine how convenient the location is, especially if you only have a small window of time for your appointments.

4. Request a Callback

After thoroughly exploring the website of the dental office that you like, make a note of any outstanding questions. Are you paying out-of-pocket, or are you likely to require services that aren't covered by your dental insurance? If so, then don't forget to find out about payment options.

You'll want to know the hours of practice, including any days that they are closed. How do the dental office hours mesh with your schedule? If time off is difficult, are there evening hours available, or are weekend appointments possible?

Most people don't think about emergencies until they are forced to, but you need to know if your dentist offers emergency dental care. If something bad happens to a tooth, all you'll want to worry about is getting where you need to go to get it fixed!

When you schedule a callback, see if you can speak to the dentist for a few minutes too. You should be able to get some idea of their personality, and whether you think that they would work out as your dentist. Don't just concentrate on noting down the answers you need, also pay attention to whether the office staff seems friendly and knowledgeable, as they should. Ask any pertinent questions, like if the dentist has experience with sleep disorders or any other specific treatments you're interested in.

5. Visit the Dental Office

In addition to a phone call, you should probably visit the dental office before making an appointment. You can get a good idea about whether it's a relaxing environment or a stressful one.

You don't want to be spending time in a dirty office that gives you bad vibes. Another red flag is staff members that are rude or unhelpful. If after your initial exam you're told you need extensive work done and it seems to come out of nowhere, you might want a second opinion.



The best dental offices create a calming atmosphere for their patients, especially those who suffer anxiety or a phobia related to visiting the dentist. A good dentist will always be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

Who's the Best Dentist Near Me?

You asked: "Who is the best dentist near me?" Our five tips will help you know when you've found them. Don't waste another moment searching when you don't have to.

If you're looking for a top-notch dentist in Columbia, MD, we can help you. We are a family dental office that cares about you, your family, and your health. Our mission is to ensure you get the exact treatment you need to preserve your smile and stay healthy.

Contact us today for a free exam.