Today, there are an increasing number of people who understand the value of good oral health. Proper oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash can make your teeth and gums clean and healthy. It can make your breath fresh, and subsequently boost your self-confidence.

But this is not enough. You also need to visit a dentist twice a year to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you don’t have a regular dentist yet, you’ll be happy to learn that there are many dentists in Montreal. But the question is – how do you choose one?

Here are some things that you should remember when choosing a dentist:

1. Scheduling. One of the most overlooked things in selecting a dentist is their office hours. You should pick one who has a schedule that suits yours. Ask the dentist or his staff if he works on weekends, which is something you would likely prefer especially if you have a regular 9-5 job. If he’s not available on weekends, what time does his clinic close on weekdays? These are some of the questions you should ask when screening dentists.

2. Payment options. Does the dentist accept credit cards or offer payment plans? This is a question you should ask especially if you don’t have dental insurance. If you have insurance, you should clarify which services are covered by your plan.

3. Location. There are several dental procedures, which may entail multiple visits, like root canal therapy. Thus you should choose a dentist whose office is close to your home or office. You don’t want to make multiple visits to a dental office that is an hour’s drive away from your place.

4. Technology and anesthesia. Gone are the days when a trip to the dentist’s office means having to deal with excruciating pain. Today, most dentists make use of advanced technology to make their procedures virtually pain-free. They also utilize digital x-rays, chair side monitors, dental laser, and intraoral cameras. But you’d still want to ask the dentist about the technology he uses or employs in his office.

5. Comfort. This is something that you can gauge the moment you step inside the dentist office. Is the dental office staff friendly? Do you like how they answer your questions?

Your consultation with the dentist can also reveal a lot of things about them. How comfortable are you with the dentist? Do you feel that he or she can be trusted?

6. Continuing education. All dentists have to continue their education through Continuing Dental Education classes, which help them become more familiar with the latest dental techniques, materials, and treatment modalities.

Check with the dentist’s staff about his or her post-graduate credentials. You can also ask for the membership affiliations of the dentist.

These are just a few of the things you should remember when looking for a dentist. You can also ask your friends, family members, and colleagues if they can refer you to a trusted and capable dentist.