Oral care is a serious matter. And whether you like it or not, it’s something that you can’t keep in tiptop shape all by yourself. The thing about caring for the health of your mouth is, it’s something that you will want to have a regular doctor for. Why? Simply because your mouth is a very personal area.

It’s no uncommon knowledge that, unlike with most other parts of the body, you can tell a lot about a person based on their oral health. Do they have good hygiene practices? Are they big meat eaters? Are they heavy smokers? Regardless of who you are, you can bet that your mouth will always give telltale signs of your lifestyle. With that said, it’s very important that you find the right dentist who you can stick with for the long haul and can understand your needs on a personal level. But how exactly do you do that?

Here are five points that you can use as a guide to help yourself find the dentist that fits your needs.

1. Qualifications and specialization—Just like with any other fields, not all dentists have the same qualifications and specializations. Now, depending on your needs, you will want to find the dentist that offers the right kind of care. Are you suffering from TMD? Better find a dentist who has experience dealing with TMD and orofacial pain. Want to fix your crooked teeth? Then find an orthodontist (and always ask for proof that they are indeed orthodontists). The key to knowing if you and your dentist’s qualifications are a match is by first identifying what your needs are.
2. Knowledge on current dental innovations—Oral healthcare is a very dynamic field. Almost every year, new technologies and methods are discovered to make procedures more effective and less painful—both physically and in the pocket. Do your own research and test your dentist if he or she is abreast with the latest in oral health techniques. Regardless if your dentist is practicing them or not, knowing that he/she is always on the lookout for ways to improve his patients’ experience should give you peace of mind.
3. Peer recommendation—Do you know anyone who has been a patient of that dentist you’re eyeing? Better ask for their impression and judgment regarding his practice. Also, you may want to stick with dentists who are members of the Philippine Dental Association. This professional organization is known for being very strict especially as regards to the ethical practice of its members.
4. Accessibility—It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. You will want to go have a dentist who you can go to at your own convenience. Do you want to go to someone near your home or your office? Are his working hours compatible with your schedule?
5. Patient service—Choose a dentist who commits to taking care of you and will go above and beyond his duties to ensure that you get the best service you deserve. In addition, someone who is able to confidently and effectively explain the solution he offers for all your oral healthcare needs.

Keep in mind that choosing the right dentist for yourself may take time and may require several visits. Don’t rush into making this decision. However, when you feel like you’ve found the right one, make sure you stick with him or her.