Finding a dentist is a personal decision. You want an office you can reach, a team that answers your questions and a dentist who explains the choices available to you. A website or a price list can help you start comparing practices, but your conversation with the dentist matters too.
Start with your needs
Are you looking for routine dental care, help with a specific concern or a cosmetic consultation? Ask whether the dentist regularly treats concerns like yours. Confirm the location, office hours and how appointment requests are handled.
Look for clear communication
Before agreeing to treatment, ask the dentist to explain what they found and why they recommend the proposed approach. You should have time to discuss your goals and ask questions.
Useful questions include:
- What problem are we trying to address?
- What are the treatment options and their tradeoffs?
- What benefits, limitations and risks should I understand?
- What follow-up might be needed?
- What is included in the estimate?
Discuss the plan and costs
Ask for a written treatment plan and an estimate before starting. If payment options matter to you, discuss them with the office. Compare what is included, rather than judging a treatment by its headline price alone.
Make room for questions
Tell the team about previous dental experiences, concerns or anxiety. Ask how the practice handles follow-up and whom to contact if you have questions after your appointment.
If you want another opinion about a proposed treatment, ask for your records and discuss your concerns with another dentist. You can also ask the treating dentist whether timing matters before deciding.
Meet the Smile Creators Dental team
At Smile Creators Dental in Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Leonid Shimanov provides cosmetic and restorative dental care. Explore our general dentistry, veneers, dental implants and Invisalign pages, or contact the office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Smile Creators Dental is located at 210 East 47th Street, Suite 1F, New York, NY 10017. Call (212) 753-6785 to discuss your visit.
