What To Consider When Choosing A New Dentist [Updated 2025]

Choosing a new dentist (especially one here in Minneapolis) is an important decision—one that impacts not only your smile, but your overall health and confidence. For many people, dentistry isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about finding someone you can trust, who understands your needs, and who makes the experience as comfortable as possible. With so many dental practices in the Twin Cities and beyond, it can feel overwhelming to know which one is right for you.

The good news? By focusing on a few key areas—like convenience, services offered, technology, patient experience, and trust factors—you can quickly narrow your search and feel confident in your choice. Let’s walk through the most important considerations when choosing a new dentist, so you and your family can enjoy healthy smiles for years to come.

Location & Convenience

One of the first things to consider is where the dental office is located. While expertise is crucial, convenience often plays a big role in how consistently you’ll make your appointments.

• Proximity to home, work, or school: A dentist close to your daily routine makes it easier to schedule visits without rearranging your entire day.
• Office hours: Look for practices that offer early morning, evening, or even weekend appointments if your schedule is tight.
• Emergency care: Life happens—whether it’s a sudden toothache or a chipped tooth, you’ll want a dentist who can see you quickly in an emergency.

A conveniently located, accessible practice with flexible scheduling options increases the likelihood that you’ll stay on track with regular checkups.

Services Offered

Not all dental practices provide the same services. Choosing a dentist who offers a broad range of care can save you time, reduce stress, and provide continuity if your needs change.

• General Dentistry: Cleanings, exams, fillings, and preventive care are the backbone of any dental practice.
• Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, bridges, implants, and root canals help restore function and health.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Whitening, veneers, bonding, and Invisalign can boost your confidence and improve your smile’s appearance.
• Advanced Services: Some practices offer same-day crowns, dental lasers, or surgical procedures in-house, saving you a referral to another office.

A comprehensive practice means you won’t have to juggle multiple providers for your family’s needs, and your dentist will know your history for better, more personalized care.

Experience & Qualifications

Dentistry is as much an art as it is a science. The skill, training, and continuing education of your dentist make a big difference in the quality of care you’ll receive.

• Education & Training: Look for dentists who have strong academic backgrounds and advanced training.
• Continuing Education: The best dentists never stop learning—they stay current with new treatments, materials, and technologies.
• Professional Memberships: Affiliations with groups like the American Dental Association (ADA) or state dental associations show a commitment to high standards.
• Special Areas of Focus: Some dentists emphasize cosmetic dentistry, while others are known for pediatric care or advanced restorative work.

Don’t hesitate to ask about your dentist’s qualifications. A confident, transparent answer is always a good sign.

Technology & Techniques

Modern dental technology has transformed patient care, making procedures faster, more accurate, and often more comfortable. When evaluating a new dentist, ask about the technology they use:

• Digital X-rays: These provide clearer images with less radiation exposure compared to traditional film.
• Intraoral Cameras: Allow dentists to show you exactly what they see in your mouth, helping you better understand your treatment needs.
• Laser Dentistry: Useful for both soft tissue and certain restorative treatments, often reducing pain and speeding recovery.
• CAD/CAM Systems: Enable same-day crowns and restorations for greater convenience.

Technology isn’t just about being “high-tech”—it’s about giving patients a better, safer, and more comfortable experience.

Patient Experience & Comfort

Dental care isn’t just clinical—it’s personal. The relationship you have with your dentist and their team can make all the difference in whether you feel relaxed or anxious during visits.

• Communication: Does the dentist explain treatment options clearly? Do they answer questions without rushing?
• Bedside Manner: A compassionate, empathetic dentist can turn a stressful appointment into a positive experience.
• Comfort Options: From noise-canceling headphones to sedation dentistry, practices that offer comfort measures show they value patient well-being.
• Reputation: Online reviews, testimonials, and word-of-mouth recommendations give insight into how patients feel about their experience.

At SmilesMN, for example, Dr. Deborah Fung emphasizes gentle, personalized care that helps patients feel at ease—especially those with dental anxiety.

Insurance, Payment Options & Affordability

Dental care is an investment in your health, but cost is still a practical factor when choosing a dentist.

• Insurance: Verify that your plan is accepted, and ask about billing policies.
• Payment Flexibility: Look for offices that offer payment plans or in-house membership savings for those without insurance.
• Transparency: Practices should provide clear treatment estimates before procedures, so there are no surprises.

A dentist who is upfront about costs and willing to work with you on payment options can provide peace of mind alongside quality care.

Office Environment & Culture

The look and feel of the dental office also matter. A clean, welcoming environment helps reduce stress and builds trust.

• Cleanliness: Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols are non-negotiable.
• Atmosphere: A friendly, professional team creates a positive environment from the moment you step in.
• Patient-Centered Culture: Practices that put patients first focus on long-term relationships, not just transactions.

If you walk into a dental office and feel comfortable right away, that’s often a sign you’re in the right place.

Red Flags to Avoid

Just as there are positive signs, there are warning signs that may indicate a dentist isn’t the right fit:

• Rushed consultations or little time spent explaining treatment options.
• Outdated technology or equipment.
• Lack of transparency in treatment planning or costs.
• High-pressure sales tactics, especially for elective procedures.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it may be worth seeking another opinion.

Questions to Ask Before Deciding

Bringing a short list of questions to your first consultation can help you make a more informed choice:

1. What services do you specialize in?
2. Do you provide emergency or after-hours care?
3. What are your payment options if I don’t have insurance?
4. How do you approach preventive care and long-term oral health?
5. What technology do you use to make treatment more effective or comfortable?

The answers will give you valuable insight into how the dentist prioritizes patient care.

FAQs

How do I know if a dentist is reputable?
Look for a combination of qualifications, experience, positive reviews, and professional memberships. Transparency in communication is another strong sign of credibility.

Is it okay to switch dentists if I’m unhappy?
Yes. Your oral health comes first. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s better to find a dentist who meets your needs rather than stay in an unsatisfactory situation.

How often should I really see a dentist?
Most patients benefit from checkups every six months, though those with gum disease or ongoing issues may need more frequent visits.

What if I have dental anxiety?
Choose a dentist who offers comfort measures, communicates clearly, and creates a welcoming environment. Many practices—including SmilesMN—provide solutions for patients who feel nervous.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Choosing a new dentist is about more than convenience or cost—it’s about finding someone you trust with your health, your smile, and your confidence. By considering location, services, qualifications, technology, and patient experience, you can narrow your choices and make a decision that feels right.

If you’re looking for a compassionate, highly qualified dentist in the Twin Cities, Dr. Deborah Fung and the team at SmilesMN would love to welcome you. With a patient-first approach, advanced technology, and a wide range of services, SmilesMN is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Schedule your first appointment with SmilesMN today and experience dental care that’s built around you.

Dr. Deborah Fung

Dr. Deborah Fung earned her dental degree with honors in 1992 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In addition to serving as a dental officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 12 years, she has also continued her education in many areas of dentistry, including orthodontics, endodontics (root canal therapy), implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.