{"id":215,"date":"2026-06-02T20:08:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T20:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/?p=215"},"modified":"2026-06-02T20:08:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T20:08:34","slug":"best-fit-dentist-what-to-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/best-fit-dentist-what-to-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Your Best-Fit Dentist \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_226838010__1591621588_81130.jpg\" alt=\"young woman smiling in the treatment chair\" class=\"wp-image-216\" style=\"width:316px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_226838010__1591621588_81130.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_226838010__1591621588_81130-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_226838010__1591621588_81130-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You want to find a dentist who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and recommends treatment based on your needs, preferences, and comfort level. The search can be an arduous one, but when you find a few worthy options, you may begin to wonder how you will narrow down your choices and ultimately find your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/\">best-fit dentist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a dentist, I know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in the dentist\u2019s chair, which is why I am here to share a few tips to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1. Available Payment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Budgeting is likely to be a primary focus when choosing a dentist that meets your needs. You can expect less stress during your visits by learning about the available payment options. If you plan to use your dental insurance, make sure to ask about whether the dentist is in-network with your plan. Since most policies offer 90-100% coverage for preventive services, such as dental checkups and cleanings, and 50-80% coverage for restorative care, it\u2019s worth asking. But do not assume automatic coverage; instead, check your insurance benefits before agreeing to treatment to avoid any surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not have private dental insurance, know that high-quality dentistry is still within reach. Many dentists offer in-house membership programs that offer valuable discounts on available services for a low monthly or annual fee. There is also the option to enroll in flexible financing through one of the many third-party companies, including CareCredit and Lending Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2. Anxiety-Free Dental Sedation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have dental anxiety and feel apprehensive about visiting the dentist, you\u2019re not alone. Many patients struggle with past trauma and other similar issues that can lead to avoidance of essential oral healthcare. However, finding a dentist who offers dental sedation can be an added benefit. All you need to do is ask about which methods are available and which one is right for you. The most common options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nitrous oxide. <\/strong>Also referred to as laughing gas, it is primarily recommended for patients with mild anxiety who want to \u201ctake the edge off\u201d when undergoing a dental cleaning or minor procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oral conscious.<\/strong> As a prescribed pill, this sedation method offers a deeper state of relaxation for the patient, ensuring they experience no discomfort or anxiety while undergoing treatment. Many patients report feelings of drowsiness with oral conscious sedation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IV.<\/strong> Delivered as a shot, IV sedation enters the bloodstream to produce the strongest effects of the three sedation options. Also referred to as sleep dentistry, many individuals can doze off during treatment and are unlikely to remember their visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You will unlikely receive the strongest form of sedation if your dentist believes you will benefit from a milder form; however, if you do not experience success with nitrous oxide, your dentist will likely suggest oral conscious sedation. Regardless of which method you receive, do not hesitate to ask questions and address any concerns you have with your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3. Dentist\u2019s Skill Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All licensed dentists must have a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) to practice in the U.S. However, each can choose to pursue additional training and certifications after dental school. Reviewing a dentist\u2019s credentials offers deeper insight into their professionalism and abilities. I suggest looking at their different qualifications based on the kind of treatment you need. This may require performing a Google search to identify specific credentials and what they mean, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>American Academy of Implant Dentistry \u2013 <\/strong>This professional organization consists of members who have completed advanced training in dental implant treatments. This means they are qualified to place and restore dental implants, but they may need to refer you to an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of your case.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry <\/strong>\u2013 Membership in this organization means a dentist maintains a clear interest in dental esthetics and can provide various services, such as veneers and teeth whitening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Continuing Education Centers <\/strong>\u2013 If you see they have completed courses through the KOIS Center, SPEAR Education, or other similar organizations, this is a valuable indicator of their desire to pursue continuing education. These are prestigious resources for dentists, offering advanced training programs, including those focused on dental implants, TMJ, sleep dentistry, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The American Dental Association (ADA)<\/strong> \u2013 Most dentists in the U.S. are members or affiliated with the ADA in some capacity. This organization sets the standards for the field of dentistry and all oral healthcare practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4. Innovative Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although many traditional technologies produce reliable images and results (e.g., X-rays), dentists are now turning to more innovative devices to improve the patient experience. This is especially true when complex procedures are required, such as dental implants. Advanced technologies enable more accurate, precise, and successful results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When preparing a patient for dental implants, for example, CBCT scanners allow for a full 360-degree view of the oral cavity. This kind of equipment is essential for an implant dentist, as it enables them to place titanium implant posts with superior accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will find that as you begin to ask these questions and review these components, choosing the right dentist will be much easier. Not only will you have a better idea of what to look for in your search, but you\u2019ll soon find the kind of practice that meets all your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the Author<\/strong><br>Dr. Jay Lopez believes in providing patients with one-on-one attention to meet their unique needs, preferences, and comfort levels. With extensive training in restorative, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry, he can rebuild and restore smiles of all kinds. He has been practicing since 1997 and remains committed to refining and expanding his skills whenever he can. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Lopez and how he can help you take back your oral health, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/contact.html\">contact us<\/a> at <strong>(520) 886-8090 <\/strong>to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You want to find a dentist who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and recommends treatment based on your needs, preferences, and comfort level. The search can be an arduous one, but when you find a few worthy options, you may begin to wonder how you will narrow down your choices and ultimately find [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best-Fit Dentist | What to Look For | Dr. Jay Lopez<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to find your best-fit dentist? 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