Dentist in the Laurel MD Area: Questions to Ask Before Choosing One

Looking after your oral health is very important. Read on to learn about what questions to ask before choosing a dentist in the Laurel MD area.

There are now over 1,082,000 professionals employed in the dental health industry. When you're searching for one dentist in the Laurel, MD area, it helps to set your priorities. Otherwise, you might choose a dentist who fails to meet your expectations.

Here are 10 questions you can ask before signing up to a new dentist. With these tips, you can make sure your dentist has the expertise you need.

You can feel confident in their abilities to prioritize and improve your oral health. 



Discover the best dentist in Laurel, MD! Start your search by asking your new dentist these 10 questions today. 

1. How Long Have You Worked in the Industry?

First, learn as much as you can about your dentist's credentials. You'll want to make sure they have the proper education and training. Otherwise, they might lack the necessary experience and expertise.

Determine where they went to school and how long ago they graduated.

You might feel more comfortable choosing a dentist who has years of experience. If they graduated a few decades ago, great. However, you'll also want to make sure they continued learning over the years.

Ask each dentist if they prioritize continuing their education. These dentists will remain up-to-date with new procedures and technologies. They'll adapt their practice based on advancements in the field.

If they're still using outdated techniques, however, they might struggle to meet your needs.

Ask the dentist if they have any additional certifications, too. You can also ask if they encourage their hygienists and employees to continue learning. 



You might feel more comfortable choosing a team that's up-to-date and innovative. 

2. Do You Have a Specialty?

Before choosing a Laurel dentist, ask each dentist about their specialty.

You might only need a general dentist if you're interested in regular cleanings. However, the best dentist will fully evaluate your oral health. They can make customized recommendations based on your distinct needs.

For example, they might recommend you consult an orthodontist. An orthodontist can help if you have alignment issues. They might recommend traditional braces or Invisalign treatment. 

Your dentist might specialize in offering other services, including procedures like:

• Teeth whitening
• Extractions
• Veneers
• Teeth whitening

Choose a dentist based on the area of dentistry you need. Then, ask if you can see proof of their work. For example, they might have before and after photos you can look at.



Seeing proof of their work can help you determine if they can meet your expectations. If you don't see an improvement between the photos, look elsewhere.

3. How Do You Develop Treatment Plans?

Your MD dentist should take the time to evaluate your current oral health. Then, they should develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs. If the dentist treats you like another number, look elsewhere.

Instead, ask about their recommendations. Make sure they help you review the pros and cons of each option, too.



Your Laurel dentist shouldn't direct you toward a procedure you don't need. Instead, make sure they ask about your unique goals. They should make recommendations based on your health.

4. What Services Do You Offer?

Once the dentist evaluates your oral health, ask about the services they offer. You'll want to make sure they can meet your needs. For example, you might need a new dentist who offers:

• Dental implants
• Invisalign
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorative care
• Periodontal care
• Preventative care

Ask about the technology they use as well. 

Consider asking what age groups they treat, too. For example, do they have experience treating children? If they don't have experience with pediatric dentistry, they might struggle to ensure your child's comfort.



Instead, find a dentist in the Laurel, MD area that can help your child start on the road to a lifetime of healthy teeth. Their experience with pediatric dentistry can help put your child at ease.

5. Do You Have References?

Before signing up to a new dentist, ask if you can read patient reviews. Many dentists post reviews on their websites. You can also find reviews on their Google My Business or BBB listings.



Make sure the dentist doesn't have any major complaints or medical malpractice claims filed against them. 

6. What Financing Options are Available?

Before making your choice, ask each dentist if they offer any financing options. If they offer financing options, you can develop a manageable payment plan. These practices are dedicated to ensuring their patients receive the treatment they need.

7. Where Are You Located?

Take the time to determine where each practice is located. Consider its location relative to your home or work. How long will it take you to reach the practice?

If the drive is over 30 minutes away, consider finding a nearby practice instead.



If you require emergency dentistry services, you'll want to choose a practice that's nearby.

8. How Do You Keep Patients Comfortable?

Nearly 40% of the population suffers from dental anxiety. Another 12% of the population suffers from extreme dental fear. During your search for a dentist in the Laurel, MD area, consider your comfort. 

Ask the dentist if they have experience treating patients with dental anxiety. They might offer sedation dentistry to help keep patients comfortable. Choose a dentist with a gentle touch, too.



Their ability to keep patients at ease can give you peace of mind. You won't have to feel anxious about upcoming appointments. 

9. What Preventative Tips Can You Provide?

Before choosing a dentist, make sure they focus on prevention. Their preventative tips can help you improve your oral care. You could avoid costly procedures and treatments in the future as well.

10. Do You Take My Insurance?

You might want to prioritize finding a dentist who falls within your insurance plan. Make sure you understand their billing procedure moving forward, too.

Start Searching: 10 Questions to Ask a Dentist in the Laurel, MD Area

Don't rush to choose a new dentist. Instead, ask these 10 questions to find the best dentist in the Laurel, MD area. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice. 

Welcome to your end of the search for a dentist in Laurel, MD! We can't wait to see you.



Contact us today to get started as a new patient.