How to find a specialist dentist

Do you want to achieve a brighter, whiter smile?

Have you got an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be removed?

While a general dentist is trained to perform most types of treatment, a specialist dentist undergoes further training in a specific field of dentistry of their choosing, such as periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry (e.g. dental bridges, crowns, and implants).

Ideally, you want to find someone experienced and qualified – but what’s the best way to go about it?

Do your research

A good place to start is to do some online research.

Try searching for “specialist dentist near me” on Google or, more specifically, the treatment you require, e.g. “Essex oral surgery”.

By law, all dental practices must be registered with the Care Quality Commission and General Dental Council.

These accreditations are often displayed in the reception area for everyone to see, while the dentist’s qualifications may be in the treatment room.

Whilst you could verify this by making an appointment, you can always call them. A decent dentist will always be willing to assist you and tell you more about their certificates and registrations face-to-face or over the phone.

Patient testimonials and reviews can help you get a feel for the dental practice and what to expect when you visit, so be sure to click on a few different websites and see what others have to say about their experience.

Ask for recommendations

Friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues.

There is a good chance someone you know and trust will have had a positive experience with a specialist dentist, so ask around for recommendations.

Finding out how long they’ve been going to their dentist and how comfortable they are made to feel when they visit will help you decide whether they could be the right fit for you, too.

You should then ask about:

·       Their office hours to see if it suits your hectic work-life balance

·       How easy it is to find a parking space

·       If you’re a nervous patient, what type of anaesthetic the specialist dentist uses. If it helps, also ask if they will allow you to bring someone along to your appointment or if you can listen to your playlist to help you keep calm.

Talk to your regular dentist

It’s important to schedule routine dental check-ups with your general dentist to maintain oral health and hygiene. However, it’s also beneficial to know which specialist dentists are highly recommended if your regular dentist is unable to help.

Most dentists have networking connections across the country, meaning they should be able to point you in the direction of a specialist who is more than capable of treating cases like yours.

In most cases, if you require orthodontic, endodontic, periodontal, implant treatment, or oral surgery, your current dentist will provide a referral and (with your consent) transfer your records directly.

The specialist dentist will then liaise with your general dentist, ensuring a smooth transition of care.

Visit the British Dental Association

Another great way to find a specialist dentist in your local area is to visit the British Dental Associate website.

Over 1,000 dental practices in the UK are members of the BDA, demonstrating their commitment to delivering the highest quality service and care for their patients.

In addition, they remain up-to-date with the latest regulations and are assessed periodically to ensure they are meeting the highest standards.

Use the map to find your nearest BDA dental practice. You can also search for the name or postcode of a practice to check if they are a member.

What to look for in a specialist dentist

When it comes to finding a specialist dentist, you want to be confident you’re in good hands.

With that in mind, it’s worth paying close attention to the dentist’s approach to dentistry.

For example, a holistic dentist who offers treatment for complex dental cases looks beyond the teeth and gums to the patient’s overall health and well-being. They work hard to determine the cause of your dental condition and treat it in the best possible way – preventing it from reoccurring later on.

Another thing to consider is how helpful and friendly the dental team are when you call them or visit in person.

If they are rude or reluctant to answer any of your questions, it may be worth trying somewhere else as any good dentist should take the time to answer your questions regarding treatments, qualifications, consultations, and appointments.

They should also offer honest and transparent pricing and be willing to discuss the finance options available (if applicable), allowing patients to budget for their specialist dental treatment.

With a little research, it is entirely possible to find a specialist dentist near you who is friendly, professional, suitably qualified, and able to help with your individual needs – it’s just a case of tracking them down!