Choosing a Portland, OR dentist may be one of the most important decisions you make for your health.  To help guide you to the right oral health care professional, here are some things you may want to take into consideration:

  • Start by finding a Portland General Dentist who can act as the primary care giver for your oral health.  Verify that they hold a valid D.M.D. or D.D.S degree and are licensed to practice in your state.
  • Ask how long the dentist has been practicing and find out how much continuing education the dentist takes every year.   A well trained dentist is one who continues to educate themselves year after year.   Find out which professional organizations the dentist is involved with and any awards or advanced certifications they have earned.
  • Ask for testimonials or to speak with current patients of the practice who would be willing to share their experiences.
  • Ask to see before and after images of any work you plan on having performed by the dentist.  A reputable dentist will generally document the work that they do.
  • Tune in to how the dental team treats you.  Is the receptionist friendly and helpful?  Do they answer all of your questions in a thoughtful fashion?
  • Ask about how the practice goes the “extra mile” to make your experience a positive one.  What things do they do that help put people at ease?
  • Is the office easy to get to and do they have parking?
  • Ask about new technologies that the practice is using.  For instance, are they experienced with dental lasers or single-visit crowns?
  • Ask about the availability of the dentist during off hours.  If you are in an emergency situation, is the dentist available to help patients of record?

By asking the right questions before choosing a Portland dentist, you can greatly increase the odds of finding the right Portland dentist for you.