Washington, North Carolina friends, have you been on the hunt for a new dentist? Whether you are new to the area or are looking to switch offices, it’s good to know what makes a quality dentist’s office. The specifics of what makes a dental office the right fit for you and your family might be different from the next person, but here are five essential things to consider. 
1. Location
Sure, you’ll want to find a dental office with excellent qualities, but what’s the use if you’re making a lengthy commute? Finding a dental office in a relatively close range to your house, work, or school is essential not only for convenience but also for a dental emergency. If you or your children chip or knock out a tooth or have an unbearable toothache, you’ll need to see the dentist immediately.
2. Insurance Policies
If you use dental insurance to pay for your visits, choose an office that accepts your specific insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be paying out of pocket, and that can get pricey. Contact our office to find out which kinds of insurance we accept, and if you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry. At Inner Banks Dental, we offer an In-House Dental Savings Plan. Remember, this is not dental insurance. Enrolling in our In-House Dental Savings Plans allows you to obtain your dental treatment exclusively at our practice for reduced fees.
3. Office Hours
Make sure that your office is open at convenient times for you. If the office is only open two days per week and you have a family of five, it probably won’t work out. However, if the office is in a great location and has selective hours that work for your schedule, go for it! It is really about finding what works for you. Inner Banks Dental is currently open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
4. A Clean and Pleasant Environment
This isn’t something you could necessarily pick up on while scheduling an appointment, but you’ll know once you go to the office for the first time. Is the office clean and pleasant? Is the environment hectic or calming? These are questions you’ll need to answer for yourself, but you can always read up on online reviews before scheduling an appointment. While some people might think of cleanliness as a bonus, dental offices have cleaning and sanitation requirements that they must follow.
5. Friendliness
While friendliness isn’t a requirement for the job, you’ve probably noticed that most successful dentists have a friendly and conversational demeanor. Remember, dental visits are up close and personal, so you’ll want to feel comfortable with your dentist and hygienist. However, don’t choose your dentist only based on this quality. Be sure that they have all of the other qualifications too.
Looking for a new Washington dentist? Contact our office. We are happy to answer any questions about our office or staff and make your dental experience a pleasant one.
