Choosing a new dentist feels like it should be simple. It’s not. You’re trusting someone to work inside your mouth with sharp instruments, and a bad match means either dreading every visit or, worse, getting subpar care that costs you thousands down the road. The questions to ask a new dentist go beyond “do you take my insurance?” (though that one matters too).
Maybe you moved to a new city. Maybe your old dentist retired. Maybe you sat in a chair while someone lectured you about flossing and decided life’s too short. Whatever brought you here, this checklist will help you find a dentist who fits your needs, your budget, and your comfort level.
Here are 14 questions grouped by what matters most. Print the list, make a few calls, and schedule a consultation before committing to that first cleaning.
Before Your First Visit
Set yourself up for a productive consultation with this quick prep work.
- Verify your insurance coverage. Call your insurer or check their website to confirm the dentist is in-network. Dental networks are smaller than medical ones, so don’t assume. Also check what your plan actually covers: most pay 100% for preventive, 80% for basic, and 50% for major procedures, but your plan may differ.
- Gather your dental records. Request records and X-rays from your previous dentist. Most offices can send digital copies directly. Having these saves you from unnecessary repeat X-rays and gives your new dentist baseline information.
- Write down your dental history. Past procedures, ongoing issues, and anything that makes you anxious about dental visits. TMJ problems, sensitive teeth, gag reflex issues, dental phobias. The more context you provide upfront, the better.
- List your medications and allergies. Dental procedures can interact with blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and other medications. Drug allergies (especially to local anesthetics or latex) are critical information.
- Check online reviews, but be smart about it. Look for patterns, not individual complaints. A single one-star review about parking doesn’t tell you much. Ten reviews mentioning surprise bills or rude staff? That’s a pattern worth noting.
Insurance and Financial Questions
1. Do you accept my specific dental insurance plan?
This is more nuanced than it seems. A dental office might be “in-network” with Delta Dental but not your specific Delta Dental PPO plan. Confirm the exact plan name and group number. Then ask the office to verify your benefits before your first appointment, not after.
Also ask whether the office will submit claims to your insurance directly or if you’ll need to pay upfront and file claims yourself. Direct billing saves you a massive headache.
2. What are your fees for common procedures, and do you provide written estimates?
You have every right to know what things cost before they happen. Ask for fees on the procedures you’re most likely to need: cleanings ($100 to $200 without insurance), fillings ($150 to $400), crowns ($800 to $1,500), and X-rays ($25 to $250 depending on type).
A good dental office will provide a written treatment plan with cost estimates before starting any non-emergency work. If they won’t put it in writing, that’s a problem.
3. Do you offer payment plans or financing for major work?
A root canal and crown can easily cost $2,000 to $3,500. Dental implants run $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth. Not everyone can write that check in one shot. Ask whether the office offers in-house payment plans (ideally interest-free) or works with financing companies like CareCredit or LendingClub.
Some offices offer a discount of 5 to 10% for paying in full at the time of service. It never hurts to ask.
Emergency and Availability
4. How do you handle dental emergencies outside of office hours?
A cracked tooth at 8 PM on a Saturday doesn’t wait until Monday. Find out what happens when you call with an emergency. Does the dentist have an on-call line? Do they have an after-hours answering service? Will you be directed to an emergency room (where they’ll give you painkillers but can’t do dental work)?
The best practices either take emergency calls themselves or have a clear arrangement with an emergency dental provider. “Go to the ER” is not a real emergency plan.
5. How far in advance do I need to book routine appointments?
This tells you about the practice’s patient load. If routine cleanings are booked 4 to 6 weeks out, that’s normal. If they’re booked 4 to 6 months out, you’ll have trouble getting seen for anything urgent. Some offices overbook their hygienists, which means long waits on your appointment day.
Also ask how much notice they need for cancellations and whether there’s a cancellation fee. Most offices charge $25 to $75 for no-shows or late cancellations (under 24 hours).
Treatment Approach and Technology
6. What’s your approach to preventive care versus aggressive treatment?
This is the question that separates a good dentist from an expensive one. Some dentists are conservative. They’ll watch a small cavity if it’s not progressing, recommend sealants for prevention, and avoid crowns when a filling will do. Others jump straight to the most aggressive (and expensive) option.
Neither approach is inherently wrong, but you should understand your dentist’s philosophy. If every visit ends with a $3,000 treatment plan for “problems” your previous dentist never mentioned, get a second opinion.
7. What technology do you use for diagnostics and treatment?
Modern dental technology can make your experience better, faster, and more comfortable. Digital X-rays use 80% less radiation than traditional film. Intraoral cameras let you see what the dentist sees. CEREC machines can make crowns in a single visit instead of two.
You don’t need a dentist with every gadget on the market. But a practice still using film X-rays and paper charts in 2026 might not be keeping up in other areas either. Ask what’s current and what’s coming. It tells you about their commitment to staying up to date.
8. What types of sedation do you offer for anxious patients?
Dental anxiety affects roughly 36% of the population, and 12% have an extreme fear. If you’re one of them, this question is essential.
Options range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas, wears off in minutes, $50 to $100) to oral sedation (a pill taken before the appointment, $150 to $500) to IV sedation (for more involved procedures, $250 to $900). Not every dentist offers every option. If sedation matters to you, confirm what’s available and who administers it.
Also ask about non-pharmacological options: headphones, weighted blankets, distraction techniques. Small things can make a surprisingly big difference. Bringing your own noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds to listen to music or a podcast during cleanings can help a lot if dental sounds trigger your anxiety.
X-Rays and Diagnostics
9. How often do you recommend X-rays, and what types?
This is worth asking because practices vary significantly. The ADA recommends bitewing X-rays every 1 to 2 years for adults with no increased risk of cavities. A full-mouth series or panoramic X-ray every 3 to 5 years.
If a new dentist wants a full set of X-rays at your first visit, that’s often reasonable since they’re establishing a baseline. But if they’re pushing for comprehensive X-rays every six months, that’s both unnecessary and expensive. You have the right to decline X-rays and ask for the clinical reasoning behind them.
Ask whether they use digital X-rays (lower radiation, instant results) or traditional film (higher radiation, slower processing). Digital is the standard now.
10. Can I see images of what you’re seeing in my mouth?
A dentist who shows you what’s happening earns your trust faster than one who just tells you. Intraoral cameras cost the practice a few thousand dollars and save patients from a lot of confusion and unnecessary worry.
If your dentist says you need a crown, you should be able to see the crack, the decay, or the failing filling they’re referring to. “Because I said so” isn’t a treatment plan. You’re a partner in your dental care, and visual information helps you make better decisions.
Practice and Staff
11. Will I see the same dentist every visit, or does the practice rotate?
Continuity matters in dentistry. A dentist who knows your history, your anxiety triggers, and your mouth’s unique quirks will provide better, more personalized care. In large group practices, you might see a different dentist every visit. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s something to know going in.
If the practice does rotate, ask whether all the dentists share notes and whether they have consistent treatment philosophies. A practice where one dentist says “watch that tooth” and another says “crown it immediately” creates confusion and erodes trust.
12. What are the credentials and experience of the dentist and hygienists?
All practicing dentists hold either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry). These degrees are functionally identical. Beyond that, ask about continuing education. Dentistry evolves, and a dentist who regularly attends advanced training courses is more likely to offer current, evidence-based treatment.
For specific procedures like implants, Invisalign, or cosmetic work, ask about specialized training. A general dentist with a weekend implant course isn’t the same as one with hundreds of hours of advanced training and years of hands-on experience.
Comfort and Philosophy
13. What do you do to make patients comfortable during procedures?
This goes beyond sedation. It’s about the entire experience. Do they explain what they’re doing as they work? Do they check in during longer procedures? Is there a signal you can use if you need a break? Do they numb the gum before the injection so you don’t feel the needle?
These details separate an adequate dental experience from a good one. A dentist who takes comfort seriously will have thought about this and will have specific answers, not just “we try to be gentle.”
14. What’s your philosophy on preserving natural teeth?
This is the big-picture question. The best dentists prioritize keeping your natural teeth whenever possible. They’ll recommend a filling over a crown when the tooth can support it. They’ll suggest a root canal to save a tooth rather than jumping to extraction and an implant.
That said, sometimes extraction IS the right call. The key is that the decision is based on clinical evidence, not financial incentive. Dentists make significantly more on implants than on fillings. You want a provider whose recommendations reflect what’s best for your mouth, not their revenue.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Show up prepared and your first visit will be more productive for everyone.
- Photo ID and dental insurance card. Both sides of the insurance card. If you have dual coverage (like a spouse’s plan as secondary), bring both cards.
- Completed new patient forms. Most offices post these on their website. Fill them out at home where you can take your time instead of rushing through them in the waiting room.
- Dental records and recent X-rays. Request these from your previous dentist at least a week before your appointment. Digital copies on a disc or transferred electronically work best.
- Complete medication list. Every prescription, OTC drug, and supplement, with dosages. Certain medications (blood thinners, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants) directly affect dental treatment decisions.
- List of allergies. Drug allergies are obvious, but also mention latex allergies (relevant for gloves) and nickel allergies (relevant for some dental materials).
- Your dental concerns and questions. Write down what’s bothering you, what you want to address, and any questions from this checklist. A written list keeps you from forgetting once you’re in the chair.
- Your previous dentist’s contact information. In case records need to be requested or additional information is needed.
Typical Cost Range and Factors
Dental costs catch people off guard because insurance coverage is limited compared to medical insurance. Here’s what to budget for.
Routine Cleaning (prophylaxis): $100 to $200 without insurance. Most insurance covers two per year at 100%.
Deep Cleaning (scaling and root planing): $150 to $350 per quadrant. Your mouth has four quadrants, so a full-mouth deep cleaning runs $600 to $1,400. Insurance typically covers 80% after deductible.
Dental X-rays: Bitewings (4 films): $25 to $80. Full-mouth series: $100 to $250. Panoramic: $100 to $200. Usually covered by insurance once per 12 to 36 months.
Fillings: Composite (tooth-colored): $150 to $400 per filling. Amalgam (silver): $100 to $250. Insurance typically covers 50 to 80%.
Crowns: $800 to $1,500 per crown without insurance. Porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia crowns are at the higher end. Insurance usually covers 50% after deductible, with annual maximum caps.
Root Canal: $700 to $1,500 depending on the tooth (front teeth are less, molars are more). This doesn’t include the crown you’ll likely need afterward.
Dental Implants: $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth, including the implant, abutment, and crown. Many dental insurance plans don’t cover implants at all, or cover only a fraction.
Annual Insurance Maximums: Most dental plans cap annual benefits at $1,000 to $2,000. Once you hit the cap, you pay 100% out of pocket. This maximum hasn’t changed meaningfully in decades, despite rising costs.
What Drives Costs Up: Out-of-network providers, urban locations, specialty materials (like gold or zirconia crowns), multi-visit procedures, and hitting your annual insurance maximum.
What Drives Costs Down: In-network providers, dental schools (50 to 70% less for supervised student work), dental discount plans (not insurance, but 15 to 50% fee reductions), and community health centers with dental clinics.
Red Flags vs. Green Flags
| Red Flag | Green Flag |
|---|---|
| The office can’t give you a cost estimate before treatment begins. | Written treatment plans with itemized costs are provided before any work starts. |
| Every visit results in an expensive treatment plan for problems your previous dentist never mentioned. | Treatment recommendations are conservative, evidence-based, and consistent with what you’ve heard before. |
| The dentist pushes cosmetic procedures you didn’t ask about. | Cosmetic options are mentioned only if you express interest, without pressure. |
| X-rays are taken at every single visit with no clinical explanation. | X-ray frequency follows ADA guidelines, and the dentist explains why imaging is needed. |
| You feel rushed during appointments, and questions are brushed off. | The dentist takes time to explain findings, answer questions, and involve you in decisions. |
| The office has poor infection control practices (unsealed instruments, no glove changes). | Sterilization protocols are visible, gloves are changed between patients, and the office is clean. |
| No emergency coverage or after-hours access of any kind. | Clear after-hours emergency protocol, whether it’s an on-call dentist or a trusted referral. |
Money-Saving Tips
- Max out your preventive benefits. Most plans cover two cleanings and one set of X-rays per year at 100%. Use them. Preventive care catches small problems before they become $3,000 crowns.
- Time major procedures around your annual maximum. If you need two crowns, consider getting one in December and one in January so each falls in a different benefit year. You’ll get double the insurance coverage.
- Ask about dental schools. Dental schools offer treatment at 50 to 70% below private practice rates. Work is done by supervised dental students, and while visits take longer, the quality is closely monitored. Find accredited programs at ada.org.
- Consider a dental discount plan. If you don’t have insurance, dental discount plans (like DentalPlans.com) charge an annual fee of $80 to $200 and give you 15 to 50% off standard fees at participating dentists. Not insurance, but meaningful savings.
- Negotiate cash-pay prices. Dentists who don’t have to process insurance claims save time and overhead. Many will offer a 10 to 20% discount for cash payment at the time of service. Ask before your appointment.
- Don’t skip cleanings to save money. This is penny-wise, pound-foolish. A $150 cleaning that catches early decay saves you from a $1,200 crown a year later. Prevention is the cheapest dental care there is. Between visits, an electric toothbrush and a water flosser go a long way toward keeping your teeth in good shape and reducing the amount of work your dentist needs to do.
- Get a second opinion on major treatment plans. If your dentist recommends $5,000 or more in work, take the treatment plan to another dentist for a second opinion. Bring your X-rays so you don’t pay for new ones. Legitimate dentists won’t be offended.
Quick Reference Checklist
Print this and bring it to your consultation visit.
Insurance and Finances
- Do you accept my specific insurance plan?
- What are your fees for common procedures?
- Do you provide written treatment estimates?
- Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Availability and Emergencies
- How do you handle after-hours emergencies?
- How far in advance do routine appointments book?
Treatment Approach
- What’s your approach to preventive vs. aggressive treatment?
- What technology do you use for diagnostics?
- What sedation options are available?
X-Rays and Diagnostics
- How often do you recommend X-rays?
- Can I see images of what you’re finding?
Practice and Staff
- Will I see the same dentist every visit?
- What are the dentist’s credentials and continuing education?
Comfort and Philosophy
- What do you do to make patients comfortable?
- What’s your philosophy on preserving natural teeth?
Glossary
Prophylaxis: The clinical term for a routine dental cleaning. A prophylaxis removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth above the gumline. It’s a preventive procedure, typically recommended every six months. This is different from a deep cleaning, which addresses disease below the gumline.
Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. Scaling removes tartar from below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. It’s done under local anesthesia, usually one or two quadrants per visit.
Bitewing X-ray: A type of dental X-ray that shows the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth on a single film. It’s the standard for detecting cavities between teeth and monitoring bone levels. Named for the small tab you bite down on to hold the film in place.
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics): A technology that allows dentists to design and mill ceramic crowns, inlays, and onlays in a single visit. Instead of a temporary crown and a two-week wait, you leave with the final restoration the same day.
Dental Discount Plan: A membership program (not insurance) where you pay an annual fee for access to discounted dental fees at participating providers. Discounts range from 15 to 50% on most procedures. There are no deductibles, annual maximums, or waiting periods, making these a practical option for people without traditional dental insurance.
Helpful Tools and Resources
Dentists consistently recommend electric toothbrushes over manual ones for more effective plaque removal. A solid rechargeable model costs $30 to $80 and lasts for years. Ask your new dentist which features matter most for your teeth.
If you struggle with traditional flossing (most people do), a water flosser is a practical alternative. Especially useful for people with braces, bridges, or crowns. Your dentist can recommend the right pressure setting.
A small lighted dental mirror lets you see areas of your mouth you'd normally miss. Helpful for checking on problem spots between appointments and monitoring any areas your dentist flagged for attention.
- ADA Find-a-Dentist (ada.org/findadentist) - Search for ADA member dentists in your area. ADA membership requires adherence to a code of ethics and professional conduct.
- FAIR Health Consumer Dental Cost Lookup (fairhealthconsumer.org) - Look up the typical cost of dental procedures in your zip code based on actual claims data. Helpful for knowing whether your dentist’s fees are in line with local averages.
- DentalPlans.com - Compare dental discount plans available in your area. Useful if you don’t have employer-sponsored dental insurance and want to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I actually go to the dentist?
For most adults, every six months is the standard recommendation. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions (like diabetes, which increases gum disease risk), your dentist might recommend visits every 3 to 4 months. Conversely, adults with excellent oral health and low cavity risk might be fine stretching to once a year. Ask your dentist what’s right for YOUR mouth.
Is it worth switching dentists if I’m mostly happy but not completely satisfied?
Yes, if the dissatisfaction is about something that matters. Chronic long waits, feeling rushed, surprise bills, or a communication style that doesn’t work for you are all valid reasons to look elsewhere. Dental care is an ongoing relationship. If it isn’t working, switching sooner is better than enduring it for years.
Should I go to a general dentist or a specialist?
For routine care (cleanings, fillings, basic crowns), a general dentist is typically all you need. For specific issues, specialists are worth the referral: periodontists for advanced gum disease, endodontists for complex root canals, oral surgeons for extractions and implants, and orthodontists for alignment. A good general dentist will refer you to a specialist when your situation warrants it.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Modern digital X-rays use minimal radiation. A full set of dental X-rays exposes you to roughly 0.038 mSv of radiation, less than you’d get from a day of natural background radiation. The diagnostic benefit far outweighs the risk. That said, X-rays should be clinically justified, not taken “just because it’s been six months.” Pregnant patients should discuss timing with their dentist and OB/GYN.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
You’re not the first person to walk in after a long gap, and a good dental office won’t make you feel guilty about it. Be honest about how long it’s been. You’ll likely need a comprehensive exam, full X-rays, and possibly a deep cleaning instead of a standard prophylaxis. Your dentist will assess the current state of your mouth and prioritize what needs attention first. Starting is what matters, not how long you waited.
Next Steps
Start by checking your insurance network and shortlisting two or three dentists. Call each office and ask a few screening questions: are they accepting patients, what’s the wait time, and do they offer consultations? Schedule a first visit with the one that feels right.
Bring this checklist to your appointment. Write down the answers. Pay attention to the office environment, the staff’s attitude, and how the dentist communicates with you. Your instinct after that first visit is usually reliable.
Good dental care isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about preventing them. The right dentist makes that process easier, more affordable, and a lot less stressful. Take the time to choose well. Your teeth (and your wallet) will thank you.