As the American Dental Association reports, there are over 200,000 professionally active dentists practicing in the United States. With so many options available, finding the best local dentist for you requires research and preparation.
Our Austin dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is here to help you on your journey to finding a local dentist. Follow these tips to find a great local dentist near you:
Step 1: Seek Trusted Referrals
When beginning your search to find a local dentist, turn to family, friends, and people in your community for referrals. Ask them if there is a dentist they’ve been seeing for a while, or if they’ve recently undergone dental work similar to your needs. Use these referrals to compose a list of local dentists in your area.
Step 2: Read Patient Reviews
If you are new to an area, you may not have friends or family who can point you to a dentist. Google will be your best friend during this time. Search “local dentist near me” and read through the reviews of dentists with a 4- or 5-star rating on Google.
These reviews will provide insight into how the dentist treats his or her patients, their availability, and their treatment options.
At Austin Laser Dentist, our satisfied patients have written many patient reviews. We value their opinions and proudly post video testimonials on our website.
Step 3: Check Credentials
Once you’ve put together a list of local dentist candidates, head to each dentist’s website and check their credentials. See how long they’ve been practicing and what training they’ve undergone. You can usually find this information on a dentist’s website, or you can call the practice to ask.
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale has been serving patients for over twenty years. With extensive post-graduate training and additional advanced training in fields such as sedation dentistry, laser dentistry, and full reconstructive and rehabilitative dentistry, she can assist you with any number of treatments.
Step 4: Compare Treatment Methods
For each local dentist you’re considering, compare their treatment methods and procedures. Ask yourself what result you hope to achieve through your visit. Based on your unique goals, you’ll need a dentist with ample experience and training in a specified area.
Some of the most common treatments Dr. Ragsdale offers include:
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry transforms the appearance of your smile. Through procedures such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, and smile makeovers, patients are left with bright, beautiful smiles they’re proud to show off to the world.
- Restorative Dentistry: Restorative dentistry works to improve your overall oral health. Through procedures such as dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bridges, smiles are strengthened, repaired, and blend together seamlessly.
- Laser Dentistry: Laser dentistry is revolutionizing the field of dentistry, especially in areas such as the treatment of periodontal disease. As one of the area’s leading laser dentists, Dr. Ragsdale uses state-of-the-art technology to achieve incredible results.
- Sedation Dentistry: For patients coping with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to keep patients comfortable. Patients are relaxed from beginning to end, and multiple procedures can often be done in one sitting.
Once you’ve found a dentist who meets your expectations, it’s time to schedule an appointment!
Visit Our Local Dentist in Austin, TX
Are you in search of a local dentist in Austin, TX? Dr. Helen Ragsdale and our team at Austin Laser Dentist can assist you with all of your general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry needs.
Call (512) 346-4690 to schedule an appointment today in Austin, TX.