Dentist
If you’re a new resident of El Paso, TX, you might’ve moved for the weather, the culture, or any number of reasons that make the town an affordable and desirable destination for individuals and families alike. With 300 average days of sun each year, you can enjoy local hiking, but you’re also only a two-hour drive from the mountains of New Mexico. As you unpack and explore El Paso’s outdoor activities, you’ll also need to find new healthcare professionals, including an experienced dentist. Luckily, finding a dentist in El Paso is easy with these six simple steps.
1. Ask neighbors, co-workers, and other locals for a recommendation.
When you’re new in town, you might not know anyone. However, asking for recommendations can be a great way to get a local talking about the community they love. Introduce yourself to a neighbor, co-worker, or even the local grocery store clerk and ask if they like their dentist and would recommend them. After speaking to a few locals, you may find that the same dental professionals keep coming up.
2. Contact your insurance company to see who is in-network.
If you have dental coverage, your insurance company can be an excellent resource for referring you to dentists who are in-network with your plan. Finding those practitioners can mean a more affordable dental visit.
3. Look online for dentists close to you.
A Google, Bing, or Yahoo search can be a wealth of information about local dentists. Search engines can also help you pinpoint results within a specific radius if you want to search only within walking distance of your new home or somewhere you can conveniently get to an appointment during lunch at work. Once you find a dentist in the right location, look at their website and be sure to check reviews to confirm that the practice is professional, legitimate, and has satisfied clients.
4. Search the American Dental Association (ADA) directory.
The ADA is a trusted professional organization with over 160,000 members. Their Find a Dentist tool can help locate dentists nearby who have the support of the ADA for the latest in oral health research, clinical guidelines, and industry news.
5. Visit a few dentists to find the right fit.
You don’t need to stick with the first dentist you find in a new town. Consider contacting a few offices and stopping by for a visit before you schedule an appointment. While you’re there, ask questions about dental procedures you might need.
For example, if you have a family history of dental implants and believe you might need an implant in the next few years, ask the dentist how they handle the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable with their response. Asking these types of pointed questions can give you peace of mind that the dentist will be a long-term fit.
6. Locate a dentist who specializes in specific procedures.
If you spent a lot of time at your dentist’s office before moving, you might already know that certain procedures are on the horizon. For example, if you had dental crowns a decade ago, you might anticipate needing new crowns in the next few years. In that case, finding a dentist specializing in dental crown technology might be the best choice.
The bottom line
Finding new health professionals isn’t necessarily the most exciting thing about moving, but it’s something you’ll need to do. It’s best to find a great dentist before you have an emergency and end up going to the first person you find. Recommendations from locals or your insurer, as well as searching online or on the ADA website, are great ways to find trustworthy dentists in El Paso.
