Okay, we get it: finding a dentist isn’t as fun as shopping for a new dress or kicking the tires on a shiny SUV on the lot. That’s why we built an online Find a Dentist tool to quickly guide you through the process. Just tell us your needs and preferences and plug in a location or zip code. We’ll match you with a list of professionals in your area. We’ve taken the guesswork out of how to find a good dentist in your neighborhood.
Find a neighborhood dentist in your network
If you have dental insurance, you’ll want to choose a dentist that’s in network for your plan. That way, you’ll get the best rates. Billing is more straightforward, too. That’s the beauty of using our online tool: every dental professional in its database is in network for Delta Dental of Washington members. And it’s a big database: 3 out of 4 dentists in the U.S. participate in Delta Dental’s network.
Selecting a good dentist in your area
When picking a dental professional, you'll want to look for someone with the right credentials and experience, of course. In additional to medical degrees, look for accreditation including the American Dental Association (ADA). In addition to meeting education and training standards, ADA accredited dentists must follow a professional code of ethics including nondiscrimination and fairness. They must also fulfill yearly continuing education requirements.
All Delta Dental dentists must meet professionally required credentialing standards. Dental Delta takes quality care a step further by updating its best practice guidelines every year. This ensures that our network providers follow the most effective, up to date treatments and procedures.
When choosing a dentist, consider these factors as well:
What kind of dental care do you need?
For cleanings and preventive care, choose a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). They’re the same credential and require the same training. Need a specialist? For wisdom teeth extraction, select an oral surgeon. For braces, look for an orthodontist. For inflamed gums or implants, you’ll want a periodontist. Hoping to save damaged teeth? An endodontist may be your best bet.
What location is convenient?
This could mean the difference between your making it in to your dentist on a regular basis for preventive care vs. waiting until you have a dental emergency. Pick a location close to home, work, your child’s daycare…whatever makes the most sense for you.
Do you need parking?
Is parking an issue in your chosen location? You can specify parking availability in our online Find a Dentist tool.
What does your schedule look like?
When are you free for appointments? If you need evening, Saturday, or before or after work or school, select “extended hours.”
Do you have children?
Do you prefer a family-friendly dental practice? This can be a real timesaver, if mom or dad and the kids can be seen together (and everyone’s dental records are at the same place). It’s also a great way to model for your children how important regular dental care is.
Your child may benefit by seeing a pediatric dentist, especially if they find dental visits scary or there are oral issues beyond basic preventive care. Seniors may be best served by a geriatric dentist, particularly alert to oral conditions caused by age, medications, diseases that can affect teeth and gums, and other considerations.
Do you have dental sensitivities?
Do you have sensitive teeth or gums? Feel anxious sitting in a dentist’s chair? You can select “gentle care” in Delta Dental’s online Find a Dentist tool.
Do you find customer reviews helpful?
Our online tool lets you sort by patient endorsements for numerous considerations from ease of obtaining appointments to friendly atmosphere.
Delta Dental of Washington’s online tool makes it easy to find a good dentist near you. Plug in your needs and preferences, add the desired location, and hit enter: up pops a list chosen just for you.
Ready to Buy Dental Insurance?
This article is very high-level information. We recommend you always review plan details and get a quote before you purchase a dental insurance plan. We offer 5 plans with different coverage and monthly premiums.
