Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

In choosing your cosmetic dentist, it is important to do some research on the candidates. You would not want to entrust your smile’s appearance to someone who is learning on you. Since cosmetic dentistry is not taught in most dental schools, a general dentist lacks the advanced training and hands-on experience that a properly qualified cosmetic dentist has.

1. Gather a Short List of Candidates

If you are reading this blog, you are online and could start by googling “cosmetic dentist in Pasadena, CA” or whatever your location is. You will probably get a lot of results, unless you are in a small town. In that case, widen your search to the county name or the nearest city.

2. Check the Dentist’s Qualifications

When you look at each cosmetic dentistry site, go to the dentist’s Bio page, maybe called Meet Dr. Bigsmile or Meet Our Doctors, or to the About Us page which might link to dentist bios. Check on the dentist’s background and training, noticing if there is training beyond basic dental school.

· If you see mention of “LVI”, you probably need search no further, as the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) is the premier school for cosmetic dentistry training.

3. Check the Dentist’s Experience

How long has this dentist been practicing? Are the Before and After photos of actual patients, or just stock photos? (If they are actual patients, the site will usually say so.) What do the Testimonials say? Look at the Technology page to see what the dentist has invested in – this will tell you the high priorities for this practice. Are there items to catch dental problems early such as Vizilite cancer screening or DIAGNOdent? Any equipment to enhance dentist/patient communication such as smile simulation software? How up to date is the dental imaging equipment?

4. Look at all Relevant Website Pages

If you have some procedures or dental problems in mind that you want the dentist to be experienced with, read those pages. Try to get a sense of how often the dentist does those procedures or solves those problems. Check the relevant Before and After pictures.

5. Go for a Consultation

Choose one of the candidates and schedule a consultation. Make sure that at least part of the time will be spent with the dentist rather than just an assistant. When you are there, look around at the facility, note how competent the team members seem to be and whether they get along well, and ask yourself if you feel comfortable in this office. Does the dentist answer questions clearly? Would you feel well-cared-for coming to this office twice a year for check-ups?

By the time you have had one or more consultations you will probably know which dentist to choose. If you would like some names of qualified cosmetic dentists in your area, please send us an email, use the map below, or use Find a Dentist above.