Are you a Raleigh resident looking for a new dentist? Or are you new to Raleigh and trying to find a dentist for yourself or for your family? Odds are that it may have been a while since you last selected a dentist if you’ve found your way to this site. As with virtually every type of profession, things have changed in the world of dentistry. As you’re evaluating dentists in Raleigh, it makes sense to become better informed about some of those changes and how you might benefit from them.
In addition, there are more than 250 licensed dentists in Raleigh, NC to choose from – enough to cause anyone confusion. The information that follows can help you sort through the dentists and decide which one(s) most closely match your needs.
How Do Services Vary Among Dentists in Raleigh, NC?
What may be new to you is the emerging areas of focus for many general dentists in Raleigh, NC. You’re already familiar with “traditional” general dentistry – periodic exams and restorative work, while others have chosen one or more specific focus areas for their services. Some focus areas, such as pediatric dentistry, are also clear, but other types of services, and how they relate to your personal definition of a general dentist, can be confusing. Some of the types of dentists in Raleigh are:
Cosmetic Dentists
The use of the term “cosmetic dentist” requires no special certification (except a general dentistry license) from the NC Dental Board. However, the term usually indicates that the Raleigh dentist has committed both time and resources to develop expertise in providing services that other general dentists may not offer. Common cosmetic dentistry services include porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants and orthodontics. This type of dentist is qualified to, but may not be interested in, serving your more basic dental needs (i.e., regular preventive care and maintenance).
Comprehensive Dentists
Some dentists in Raleigh provide a very broad range of services and refer to their practices as comprehensive dentistry. This is a relatively new term. Like cosmetic dentistry, this term is also not regulated by the NC Dental Board. For that reason, the range of services available to you can vary. That said, the basic goal of a comprehensive dentist in Raleigh is to conveniently provide nearly every dental service you and family members will need over time. The distinct advantage to you is that there are no records to transfer, no additional forms to fill out, and no need to locate a different office.
Among the additional services included may be periodontal treatments, wisdom teeth extractions, root canals, and orthodontics. Here’s an example of comprehensive dentistry services although it may identify a broader range than offered by some comprehensive dentists in Raleigh, NC. There is no guarantee that you’ll never have to go to a dental specialist – if your situation is very complex or highly unusual, the dentist would refer you to a specialist likely to have more experience with rare conditions. If you’re interested in comprehensive dentists in Raleigh, be sure to evaluate not only the range of services provided but also the dentist’s credentials, in conjunction with your current and anticipated future needs.
Sedation dentists
If you (or a family member) experience anxiety, have very sensitive teeth, or want to achieve cosmetic dentistry results faster, you should become familiar with sedation dentistry. With the growing popularity of sedation dentistry, the NC Dental Board put into force new regulations in 2009 that govern the administration of sedation. This multi-faceted formal accreditation process helps to ensure your safety if you select one of the certified sedation dentists in Raleigh. It is possible that some general dentists in Raleigh NC who previously promoted the service have not yet achieved accreditation, so you should specifically inquire whether the dentist is currently licensed by the NC State Dental Board to practice sedation dentistry. (This is a requirement in addition to being a general dentist authorized to practice in the state of NC.)
Because the number of dentists in Raleigh, NC who are licensed to provide sedation dentistry services is limited, beginning with sedation dentists could be a good starting point for narrowing your search if sedation is of interest to you. Sedation dentists in Raleigh at least provide basic general dentistry services (exams, cleaning, fillings, etc), although some do offer other services (cosmetic, comprehensive) as well. Those Raleigh residents considering a smile makeover may want to choose an experienced cosmetic dentist who has also been certified to perform sedation dentistry. With sedation, it is sometimes possible to combine into a single appointment what might otherwise require two or three appointments.
Other Ways to Compare Dentists in Raleigh, NC
Once you’ve thought about the range of services that you or your family will need, you can begin to narrow the field of general dentists in Raleigh. That’s when evaluation of credentials comes into play. Word-of-mouth referrals are great, but should never be more than a starting point in your search. A friend’s dental needs can vary significantly from yours. These pointers can guide you in your evaluation.
- Dental school – Where the dentist obtain his or her DDS (Doctorate of Dental Surgery). While there is no official national ranking of dental schools, “unofficial” lists do exist. Those comparing dentists in Raleigh may find it helpful to know that UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry is typically included as one of the top in the nation.
- Additional special training – This is particularly important if you are selecting from among comprehensive dentists in Raleigh, or from among cosmetic dentists in Raleigh. Hands-on experience is important. For example, some dentists may have practiced in settings with a primary focus on orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry services.
- Newer technology and treatment approaches – Understand which of the dentists in Raleigh, NC are using up-to-date approaches. Advanced technology can facilitate greater precision in dentistry, and precision can influence the end result as well as how long it takes you to recover from a procedure such as a crown placement. Newer technology and procedures can also help you maintain good oral health. Ask your prospective Raleigh dentist to explain the newer technologies he or she offers, as well as how long the dentist has been using the specific technologies that may affect you or a family member. Some caution in technology adoption is certainly a good attribute for any dentist to have. Some dentists may use newer technologies in conjunction with their own special precautions – until they’re satisfied that there’s enough conclusive evidence about their effect on long-term oral health. The answers to these questions can begin to surface interesting comparison points among your prospective list of dentists in Raleigh, NC.
- Professional affiliations – Understand the dentist’s activity within the broader dental community. Professional affiliations can demonstrate a dentist’s interest in learning about new research and dentistry products coming to market. Nationally, there is the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentists (AGD), the National Society of Dental Practitioners, and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. For dentists in Raleigh, also look for membership in both the North Carolina Dental Society and the Wake County Dental Society. Do not confuse the NC Dental Society professional affiliation with the certification by the NC Dental Board. The NC Dental Board is the state’s dental regulatory body which certifies dentists to practice within the state.
Hopefully, this information will help you logically compare various dentists in Raleigh, NC and make the best choice for you and your family. Remember to check out financial considerations, too. (Will the practice file insurance claims for you? Will you be required to make full up-front payment and then wait to be reimbursed by the insurance company? What financing options does the dentist make available to you?) Get all the facts before you make a decision!