Finding the right dentist can feel surprisingly overwhelming, yet it’s one of the most important health decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve recently moved to a new city, just lost your dental coverage, or simply haven’t been to the dentist in years and don’t know where to start, knowing how to find a dentist you can trust makes all the difference.
Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. Poor dental hygiene has been connected to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Yet nearly 74 million Americans have no dental insurance, and millions more go years between visits simply because they don’t know how to find a dentist who fits their needs and budget.
Here’s how to find the right dentist, from using your insurance network and reading online reviews to finding affordable care without insurance and knowing exactly what questions to ask before your first appointment.
Table of Contents
- Where to Start Your Search for a Dentist
- How to Find a Dentist That Accepts Your Insurance
- How to Find an Affordable Dentist Without Insurance
- How to Find a Dentist When You’ve Just Moved
- What to Look for in a Good Dentist
- How to Research a Dentist Online
- When You Need a Dental Specialist
- Questions to Ask Before Your First Appointment
- Red Flags to Watch Out For
- How to Find a Dentist for Kids
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Start Your Search for a Dentist
The first step to finding a dentist is knowing where to look. The good news: you have more options than ever.
Ask for Personal Recommendations
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find a great dentist. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors who they see and whether they’d recommend them. A personal recommendation comes with real-world context: someone you trust can tell you about the dentist’s chairside manner, wait times, billing practices, and whether they’ve had positive experiences over the years.
If you’ve recently moved, ask in local Facebook groups, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, or community forums. People in your area are usually happy to share their dentist recommendations.
Use the American Dental Association (ADA) Finder
The ADA Find-A-Dentist tool (mouthhealthy.org) lets you search for ADA-member dentists by location, specialty, language, and other filters. All dentists in the ADA directory have agreed to the organization’s code of ethics, which is a good baseline for quality and professionalism.
Use Google Search
A simple Google search like “dentist near me” or “dentist in [your city]” will surface a map of local practices with ratings, reviews, hours, and phone numbers. The Google Business listings give you a quick snapshot of each practice, and you can immediately see star ratings and patient reviews.
Zocdoc and Similar Platforms
Zocdoc is a free platform where you can search for dentists by insurance, specialty, availability, and location, and book appointments online. It’s especially useful if you want to find a dentist who has same-week openings. Similar platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals also list dental providers with patient reviews.
How to Find a Dentist That Accepts Your Insurance
If you have dental insurance, finding an in-network dentist is one of your top priorities. Seeing an out-of-network provider can dramatically increase your out-of-pocket costs.
Use Your Insurance Provider’s Website
Every major dental insurance company, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and Humana, has an online “find a dentist” tool on their website. Simply log into your account, enter your zip code, and filter by plan type. This is the most accurate way to find an in-network provider because the list is updated regularly.
Call Your Insurance Company Directly
If you’re having trouble navigating the website, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. A representative can give you a list of in-network dentists in your area and confirm whether a specific dentist you’re interested in accepts your plan.
Call the Dental Office to Confirm
Insurance directories are not always up to date. A dentist listed as in-network may have dropped a particular insurance plan. Always call the dental office directly and confirm: “Do you accept [insurance plan name], and are you currently in-network?” Ask specifically about your plan type (PPO, HMO, DHMO), a dentist may be in-network for one but not another.
How to Find an Affordable Dentist Without Insurance
No dental insurance? You’re not alone, and you still have plenty of options for affordable dental care.
Dental Schools
Dental school clinics offer professional dental care at significantly reduced prices, often 40–70% less than private practices. The work is performed by dental students under the close supervision of licensed dentists and faculty. While appointments can take longer, the quality of care is generally excellent. To find a dental school near you, visit adea.org or search “dental school clinic near [your city].”
Community Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are government-funded clinics that provide dental care on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Even if you have no income, you can often get basic dental care for free or for a minimal fee. Find a community health center near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans are membership programs where you pay an annual fee (typically $80–$200/year) and receive discounted rates at participating dentists. Plans like Careington, Aetna Dental Access, and DentalPlans.com can save you 10–60% on procedures. These plans have no waiting periods, no annual limits, and no claim forms.
Free Dental Clinics and Events
Many nonprofit organizations, dental associations, and local health departments host free dental care events throughout the year. The ADA’s “Give Kids a Smile” program provides free dental care for children. Check your local United Way, state health department, or search “free dental clinic [your city]” to find upcoming events.
Negotiate Directly with the Dental Office
Many dental offices offer a discount of 10–30% for patients who pay in cash upfront. Don’t be afraid to ask, dental practices would rather work with you than lose you as a patient. Ask about in-house membership plans, payment plans, or cash pay discounts when you call.
CareCredit and Healthcare Financing
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted at many dental offices that offers 0% interest financing for 6–24 months on qualifying purchases. This allows you to get necessary dental work now and pay it off over time. Apply at carecredit.com before your appointment.
How to Find a Dentist When You’ve Just Moved
Moving to a new city means starting fresh with all your healthcare providers, and your dentist is often one of the most urgent to replace.
Get a Referral from Your Previous Dentist
Before you move, ask your current dentist if they have any professional contacts in your new city. At minimum, request copies of your dental records and X-rays so a new dentist doesn’t have to start from scratch.
Join Local Online Communities
Apps like Nextdoor and local Facebook community groups are gold mines for finding trusted service providers in a new area. Post a question like “Looking for a great dentist near [neighborhood] who accepts [insurance], any recommendations?” You’ll usually get several responses within hours.
Visit Soon After Moving
Don’t wait until you have a dental emergency to find a new dentist. Schedule a routine checkup and cleaning within the first few months of moving. This establishes you as a patient, gives the dentist baseline X-rays, and helps you avoid scrambling to find care in an urgent situation.
What to Look for in a Good Dentist
Not all dentists are the same. Here’s what separates a great dental provider from a mediocre one.
Credentials and Experience
All licensed dentists in the U.S. must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass board examinations. You can verify a dentist’s license through your state dental board’s website. Look for dentists who participate in continuing education to stay current on the latest techniques and technologies.
Communication Style
A good dentist takes the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment options in plain language. You should never feel rushed or pressured into procedures. If a dentist dismisses your questions or can’t explain why a treatment is necessary, that’s a problem.
Comfort with Anxious Patients
If you have dental anxiety (which affects up to 36% of the population), look for a dentist who explicitly works with anxious patients. Many practices offer sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and oral sedation. Reading reviews specifically mentioning patient comfort and anxiety management can help you find the right fit.
Office Hours and Emergency Access
Look for a dentist with hours that work with your schedule, some practices offer early morning, evening, or weekend appointments. Also ask whether the practice can accommodate dental emergencies. A toothache or lost crown doesn’t wait for a convenient time, and knowing your dentist will prioritize urgent situations gives real peace of mind.
How to Research a Dentist Online
Online reviews are a powerful tool for evaluating a dentist before you ever set foot in their office.
Google Reviews
Google reviews are the most widely used and hardest to manipulate. Look at the overall star rating, but more importantly, read the detailed reviews, especially any with fewer stars. Pay attention to patterns: if multiple patients mention long wait times, surprise billing, or a rude front desk, take that seriously.
Healthgrades and Yelp
Healthgrades focuses specifically on healthcare providers and includes information about malpractice history and disciplinary actions, helpful for more thorough vetting. Yelp is another source with detailed patient reviews. Check the state dental board website to confirm a dentist’s license status and check for any disciplinary actions.
When You Need a Dental Specialist
General dentists handle most routine dental needs, but some situations require a specialist. Here’s a quick guide to dental specialties:
- Orthodontist: Braces, aligners (like Invisalign), and bite correction
- Periodontist: Gum disease, gum surgery, dental implants
- Endodontist: Root canals and treatment of dental pulp
- Oral Surgeon: Tooth extractions, wisdom teeth, jaw surgery
- Prosthodontist: Crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and smile restoration
- Pediatric Dentist: Dental care specifically for children
Your general dentist will typically refer you to a specialist when needed. You can also search for specialists through the ADA’s specialty society directories or your insurance provider’s finder tool.
Questions to Ask Before Your First Appointment
Before committing to a new dentist, call the office with a few key questions:
- “Do you accept my dental insurance, and are you in-network?”: Always verify this directly.
- “What are your office hours?”: Make sure they work with your schedule.
- “How do you handle dental emergencies?”: Will they see you same-day if needed?
- “How long is the typical wait for a new patient appointment?”: Some practices have long waits.
- “Do you offer payment plans or financing?”: Important if you’re uninsured or have high out-of-pocket costs.
- “What technology does your practice use?”: Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras are signs of a modern practice.
- “Do you have experience working with anxious patients?”: Ask upfront if dental anxiety is a concern.
A responsive, friendly front desk is itself a good sign. If it takes days to return your call or the staff is dismissive of your questions, that experience is likely to continue as a patient.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Unnecessary Treatment Recommendations
If a dentist immediately recommends a long list of expensive treatments, especially on your very first visit, be cautious. It’s always reasonable to ask for a detailed explanation of why each treatment is needed and to seek a second opinion before agreeing to major procedures.
Pressure Sales Tactics
A reputable dentist will explain your options and let you make an informed decision. If you feel pressured to schedule treatments immediately or sign up for a membership plan before you’ve had a chance to think it over, trust your instincts.
Unclear or Surprise Billing
Before any procedure, ask for a written estimate and confirm what your insurance will and won’t cover. Legitimate dental practices provide clear cost breakdowns. Surprise bills after treatment are a serious red flag.
No Explanation of X-Rays or Treatment
A good dentist shows you your X-rays and explains what they see. If a dentist recommends treatment without showing you the evidence or explaining the diagnosis, that’s a warning sign worth taking seriously.
How to Find a Dentist for Kids
Children have different dental needs than adults, and finding the right dentist for your child sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Pediatric Dentists vs. General Dentists
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused specifically on children’s dental development and behavior management. Their offices are typically designed to be child-friendly, with bright colors, toys, and staff trained to work with young patients. That said, many general dentists are excellent with children, if your family dentist has experience with pediatric care and your child is comfortable there, that can work just as well.
When to Start Dental Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child’s first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting early helps children get comfortable with the dentist, allows for early detection of issues, and establishes good oral health habits from the start.
Finding a Pediatric Dentist
Use the AAPD’s “Find a Pediatric Dentist” tool at aapd.org to search for board-certified pediatric dentists in your area. Ask other parents for recommendations, and look for reviews specifically mentioning patient comfort for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see a dentist?
Most dentists recommend a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. However, people with certain conditions, such as gum disease, a history of cavities, or a weakened immune system, may benefit from more frequent visits. Your dentist will advise you on the right schedule for your individual needs.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
Don’t let embarrassment stop you from going. Dentists and dental hygienists are healthcare professionals, they’re focused on helping you, not criticizing how long it’s been. Just call, explain you haven’t been in a while and want to get back on track, and schedule a new patient exam. Most practices are used to this and will welcome you without judgment.
How do I find a dentist that accepts Medicaid?
Medicaid dental coverage varies by state. To find Medicaid-accepting dentists, visit your state Medicaid agency’s website and use their provider directory. The findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov tool is also an excellent resource, as federally funded community health centers almost always accept Medicaid.
How much does a dental checkup cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a routine dental exam and cleaning typically costs between $75 and $200, depending on your location and the specific practice. X-rays can add another $50–$150. Dental school clinics and community health centers offer the same services at a fraction of the cost.
Can I see any dentist in an emergency?
Yes, in a dental emergency, you don’t have to stick to your regular dentist. Search for “emergency dentist near me” and call dental offices directly to explain your situation. Many practices set aside time for same-day emergency appointments, even for new patients. If the pain is severe or you have signs of infection (fever, swelling spreading to your jaw or neck), go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room immediately.
What is the difference between a DMD and a DDS?
Both DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) are equivalent dental degrees, they represent the same education and training. The difference is simply in what different universities choose to call their degree. Either credential indicates a fully licensed, qualified dentist.
How do I know if a dentist is board-certified?
General dentists are licensed through state dental boards, which you can verify on your state’s dental board website. “Board-certified” more commonly applies to dental specialists who voluntarily pass additional examinations through their specialty board. You can verify specialist board certification through the relevant specialty society’s website.
Ready to Find Your Dentist?
Finding the right dentist doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear process, starting with recommendations and insurance checks, researching online reviews, asking the right questions, and knowing what red flags to avoid, you can find a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with.
Remember: the best dentist for you is one who fits your insurance, schedule, budget, and communication style. Don’t settle for a provider who makes you feel rushed or uncomfortable. The investment of a little time upfront to find the right dentist will pay dividends for years of healthier smiles.
Ready to get started? Check your insurance provider’s directory, ask around in your local community, and schedule that overdue checkup. Need more health guides? Check out our articles on how to find a good doctor and how to find a good therapist for more comprehensive healthcare guidance.