What to consider when selecting a Daly City dentist that is best suited to meet your family’s dental needs:

The best place to start your dental search is with either a family or general dentist.  Daly City general dentists are licensed to diagnose dental issues and oral conditions, develop treatment plans and provide the treatment.  Your Daly City general or family dentist, when needed, may refer you to a more specialized dental practitioner such as a Daly City Cosmetic Dentist.  Qualified Daly City dentists are designated as either DMD (Doctore of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery).

Daly City Dentists generally provide treatment with help from a staff consisting of dental hygienists and dental assistants.  Daly City dental hygienists perform professional dental cleanings.  Hygienist’s designation are either RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), or RDHEF (Registered Dental Hygienist with Extended Functions).

A Daly City Dental assistant may assist a Daly City Dentist during a procedure, by setting up anesthesia, exposing and developing radiographs or performing other general tasks.  Dental hygienists and dental assistance work under the supervision of a dentist.

Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dentist

When selecting a Daly City dentist and corresponding Daly City dental practice based on a need for Daly City cosmetic dentistry procedures (teeth whitening, porcelain veneers) or restorative procedures (dental fillings, dental crowns), it is imperative to consider the following items:

• Consider the possible variations of your desired procedure. For example, porcelain veneers, can serve both an esthetic and functional need. A procedure that satisfies both needs might be the best solution when compared with a standard functional restoration offering no esthetic benefit, you will need to investigate which Daly City dentists have the training and experience to perform the procedures that best meets your needs.
• The extent of the Daly City Cosmetic dentist’s training and clinical experience in performing the specific procedure you may be in need of.  Not all Daly City dentists are trained in all cosmetic dentistry procedures.
• How long the practice and dentist have been in operation.
• In the event that Daly City dentists that do not perform certain procedures what is their referral situation?
• What types of professional dental societies does the dentist participates in. Several societies require dentists to take continuing education classes to keep them up-to-date on the latest procedures and technologies available in the field.
• Before committing yourself to a Daly City dentist, identify all possible options that would solve your cosmetic dental needs.
• Is the dentist available after hours and on weekends in the event of emergency?
• What are the amenities like?
• What are the patient comforts that are available, such as pre-medication, nitrous oxide, etc.
• If your needs include Daly City cosmetic dental procedures, request to see the dentist’s previous patients before-and-after photos. Bring a picture of the result you are looking for to help set a reasonable expectation for your procedure’s outcome.
• Is the Daly City dental team courteous and helpful? You may not want to see a Daly City dentist long term if you do not feel comfortable with the dentist’s team.
• Is the Daly City dentist office conveniently located?