Most patients, especially those in suburban areas near cities, have two choices for the types of dental practices they can go to. There are classic privately-owned practices, which are small businesses where the supervising dentist is also the owner. There are also corporate dental offices (also called DSOs) which are owned and run by corporations, and the dentists that practice within them are employees of the corporation.

Clinically speaking, the quality of care at a corporate dental center versus  privately-owned dental practices will be roughly the same. Both types of dental practices are staffed by dentists and hygienists who were held to the same standards in order to earn their DDS/DMD degrees or RDH certifications. That being said, some dentists working in corporate dental practices have complained that they’ve felt pressured by their corporate employers to offer expensive care that the patient might not need, instead of basing treatment decisions on their patients’ individual health, insurance and financial situation (source).

While we hesitate to make generalizations for all such practices, the ethics of care at a corporate dental practice may be clouded by the pursuit of profits. After all, the owner of the practice is a distant corporation, not a dentist who lives down the street, shops at the same grocery store as you and whose children go to the same school as yours!

At dentist-owned dental practices, treatment decisions are between you and your dentist, with no outside influence. Your dentist knows you personally and has the chance to get to know your goals for your health and your appearance, and can take your financial situation into account when helping you weigh your choices. Dentist-owned offices can help you maximize your insurance in a way that’s best for your health and your wallet, as opposed to what’s best for a corporation’s bottom line.

Just because a dental practice has more than one location in your area doesn’t mean it’s corporately owned. Just like your favorite mom and pop sandwich place might have locations on both ends of town, so too can a local dentist have multiple dental practices. One of our aspirations as dental professionals is to provide accessible, compassionate dental care to as much of the local community as we can, and having multiple locations is a way to do that.

While corporate offices have traditionally had the buying power to acquire all the latest equipment, as technology has advanced, the most leading-edge equipment is also increasingly available to privately-owned practices. With all other aspects of your care being equal, would you rather have your smile cared for by local people that you know and trust, or a corporation?

Finding a dentist is about finding someone you like and trust. The dental clinic you choose should be you & your family’s dental home, your headquarters for all things dental health related. It should be a place where you feel comfortable & where you’re greeting by name when you arrive. In addition, your dentist should be convenient & personalized so you know you’re getting the best care for your unique smile.

How Do I Find a Good Dentist Near Me?

One of the best ways to find a new dentist is to ask your coworkers, friend, & family members. Chances are most of your co-workers live nearby & share the same dental insurance that you do. Ask you colleagues for a recommendation for a great dentist.

Obviously, convenience is a big factor in finding a dentist. Many people search for dentists near their homes, which certainly makes sense. But you can also keep an eye out for dental offices that are near your place of work. Another clever idea is to keep an eye out for dental practices along your commute.

How Can I Find a Dentist Who Makes Dental Care Easy For Me?

We understand that very few people eagerly look forward to going to the dentist, but everyone needs to go to the dentist. For that reason, we believe that dental care should fit into your life as easily as possible. Look for a dentist who has convenient hours that don’t require you to miss work or pull your kids out of school for teeth cleanings. A dentist should make it easy for you by offering appointments before work & after work, & even on the weekends, so you don’t have to take time off.

You teeth cleaning appointments are the most important part of your preventive dental care & keeping your smile healthy. Therefore, cleaning appointments should be as easy & quick as possible! Cleaning appointments should only be about an hour long, including your time with the dental hygienist, x-rays by the dental assistant & a brief exam & checkup with the dentist. If we only ask for 2 hours of your time each year, what excuse do you really have not to visit the dentist?!

How Can I Find a Dentist Who Provides Personalized Care?

Like any relationship, it’s important to have good communication. Your dentist’s office should always answer the phone when you call. You should almost never be put on hold or get the answering machine while the dental clinic is open.

Good communication also means having a dentist who listens & takes the time to explain all procedures & recommendations. If you have questions about the treatment that your dentist recommends, including why it’s necessary, don’t just nod & pretend you understand. It’s important for you to be an active participant in your own care, so be sure to find a dentist who listens to your concerns & can explain your dental care in non-technical terms you can easily understand.

How Can I Find an Affordable Dentist?

Many consider whether a dentist is affordable to be a matter of opinion, especially because dental costs vary by region (often due to factors beyond the dentist’s control, such as dental supplies & insurance companies).

We believe that is ethically correct for dentists to make preventive care as inexpensive as possible. That’s because a little money spent on preventive care can save most patients thousands of dollars in potential restorative dentistry or periodontal care in the future. In fact, in most cases, patients who have dental insurance will not pay anything out-of-pocket for preventive care such as teeth cleanings. Those insured patients who do pay for preventive care usually only pay a very small co-pay.

For patients who don’t have insurance, many dentists offer in-house dental coverage plans. These membership plans are exclusive to that dentist’s office & usually include preventive care such as cleanings & annual x-rays at no additional cost, plus discounts on other common procedures such as crowns, fillings & sometimes gum disease treatments.

Most dental clinics also offer some kind of financing option, such as CareCredit or Springstone. If you’re concerned about how much your dental care might cost, be sure to ask your dentist about what financial arrangements they offer. Most dentists will be with flexible with patients about how they pay for their care. After all, our primary goal is for you & your family to have healthy smiles for a lifetime!