Checklist

Is the office location convenient for you?

• □ Yes □ No
  Is the office location convenient for your home or work?
  (If you anticipate frequent visits, location may be particularly important.)
• □ Yes □ No
  Is the office near public transportation?
• □ Yes □ No
  Does the office have convenient or affordable parking available?

How available is the dentist?

• □ Yes □ No
  Is the dentist taking new patients?
• □ Yes □ No
  Does the dentist make evening or weekend appointments?
• □ Solo □ Group
  Does the dentist have a solo or group practice? If it's a group practice:
  • □ Yes □ No
    Can you request to see your dentist?
  • □ Yes □ No
    Do you like and trust the other dental professionals who may be involved in your care?
• □ Yes □ No
  Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? Is the dentist available in emergency situations?
• □ Yes □ No
  Is the wait time to make an appointment acceptable?

What is your impression after your initial consultation with the dentist?

• □ Yes □ No
  Do you and the dentist have compatible communication styles?
• □ Yes □ No
  Does the dentist and dental staff follow guidelines for infection control? (Are there disposable covers over instruments, trays, dental chair, x-ray machine and other equipment? Are the instruments disposable or removed from sterilized packets? Do the dental professionals wear gloves when handling instruments? Do they wash hands and put on new gloves between patients?)
• □ Yes □ No
  Are you comfortable with the dentist's general manner and treatment style?
• □ Yes □ No
  Does the dentist seem up-to-date on the latest treatment options?
• □ Yes □ No
  Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Are preventative home care instructions provided?
• □ Yes □ No
  Is the dentist open to your concerns, questions, and comments?

What other considerations are important to you?

• □ Yes □ No
  Does the dentist accept your insurance?
• □ Yes □ No
  Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
• □ Yes □ No
  If the dentist is not board certified, is he/she working toward certification?
• □ Yes □ No
  Are the dentist's costs comparable to other dentists for the same procedures/visits?

Concerning Specific Dental Conditions

If you have a specific dental condition, symptoms or a family history for a condition, you may want to consider the following.

• ________
  How many years of experience does the dentist have?
• ________
  How many times has the dentist performed the procedure or treatment you need?
• □ Yes □ No
  Is there a dental specialist that would be better suited to treat or care for your condition (e.g., choosing an endodontist to perform a root canal)?
• □ Yes □ No
  Are you confident about taking the dentist's advice?
• □ Yes □ No
  Are you reassured by the dentist's comments and actions?