Finding a new dentist can be a very daunting task. But the best time to find a dentist is now, when you have time on your side. If you wait until you're in pain, you'll be at the mercy of whatever dentist you happen upon, so this is a great question.

Here is some quick advice for finding a new dentist.

Ask your insurance company if you have an out of network option.
You may have a list of dentists that your insurance company requires you to see. Ask your insurance company immediately if there is an out of network option as you will be severely limited to a certain type of dentist if picking only from that list.

Get online.
Look at online reviews that tell a story. "Great dentist, love him" doesn't tell you as much as someone who tells you how the dentist responded to a dental emergency at 8 AM on a Sunday.

Interview the dentist and staff.
Gut feelings are very important. Did you feel comfortable? Was everything explained to you? The reaction to this alone will be telling.

Get a qualified referral.
Asking friends and family or a work mate for a referral is a great way to find a new dentist - but make sure this referral is qualified. Has the referrer gone in for just a cleaning? Or has he or she had major work done?

Call the US Consulate.
If you are moving out of the country (or even going on vacation), check in right away with the nearest US consulate and ask who the consular general and his family see. Chances are he or she is a US trained dentist.

Best of luck!

Mark Burhenne DDS