It might seem as though finding a good dentist in Carmichael, CA could be nearly as hard as finding just the right outfit for your New Year’s Eve party, the best Internet provider, or even a needle in a haystack. It doesn’t have to be that hard, though – you just have to know what it is you’re really looking for. So let’s talk about how you can narrow down the search, and find the dentist that is absolutely the right fit.
What Do Those Letters Mean?
DDS? DMD? What are they? Is there a difference? Well, no. This part is easy. DDS means “Doctor of Dental Surgery,” and “DMD” means “Doctor of Dental Medicine.” Different universities use different terminology when conferring degrees. If you are looking for a dentist in Carmichael, all you need to know is that a DDS and a DMD have studied the same material, earned the same degree, and can provide the same services.
Family Dentist, Restorative Dentist, Esthetic or Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist…
Again, most of the time, this is just terminology. Other than dental specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, etc.), any dentist in Carmichael is a general dentist. General dentists may add areas of interest to their practice name or description.
A better way to learn about services a dentist provides is to check out his or her website, call the office and chat with the staff about the practice and doctor, or even request an office tour before you become a patient. These are great ways to discover if a dental office is a good fit for you. Really great dentists are life-long students, continuing to expand their knowledge and skills and keeping up with the latest advances in dentistry. While dental school gives an excellent foundation, comprehensive educational programs like Spear Education, the Pankey Institute and many other in-depth programs bring a practitioner to a much higher level of competence. It’s important for patients to understand that the judgement of the dentist in what should and should not be done can be equally important. It is tempting to look for dentists with low fees, but what you really want is someone who performs a thorough examination and makes the same recommendations they would make for their mother or sister. A great dentist takes time to explain the risks, benefits and alternatives for treatment. A great dentist also listens to you and really considers what is important to you for restoring and maintaining your mouth.
Other things that you should consider when looking for a dentist in Carmichael are office hours, and whether they offer prompt emergency care and after hours emergency coverage.
Contact Us
Now that you know what to look for when seeking a dentist in Carmichael, give us a call. You can reach Dr. Stefanie Shore at 916-966-5269. Our office is located at 6660 Coyle Avenue, #240, Carmichael, CA 95608. If you prefer to request an appointment online, simply use the form on our Contact Us page.
