Find the Best Dentist in Irvine, CA
If you are looking to find the best dentist near you, all the options can be overwhelming. There are many factors to take into consideration. Fortunately, there are multiple resources at your disposal to find the best dentist for you.
Find the right dentist near you at Smile by Design Dental Group. We are proud to serve Irvine and the surrounding area. We can help you with all your general oral health needs, and we can refer you out to a specialist if necessary. Call us today at (949) 336-3404 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Using Review Websites
Online review sites are one of the best places to start looking for a nearby dentist. It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture. Some review sites remove negative reviews or tend to hide them at the bottom. Be sure to filter the reviews by the most recent and look for patterns appearing in the comments that may indicate a problem.
Google contains more than half of all reviews worldwide. A practice with multiple positive reviews will be one of the first things a prospective patient sees when searching for the right dentist. Google reviews are very popular and are an excellent place to start to help add or eliminate providers from your list.
Healthgrades has millions of reviews for dentists and offers a search function to find a dentist in the area quickly. Patients can also use this site to request an appointment. Zocdoc is another website that also lets patients search for dentists using ZIP code, insurance, availability, and languages.
Vitals and 1-800-Dentist are two other web resources. 1-800-Dentist takes it a bit further, asking patients to fill out a short questionnaire. Once it has been completed, an operator calls the patient with options that meet the criteria they indicated.
When using a review site, individuals should look beyond the number of stars and focus on the patient comments. After reading several, they can better understand what people like and do not like about a particular dental practice.
“It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture.”
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
One of the strongest recommendations for the right dentist can come from one's own family, close friends, and co-workers. Individuals may want to ask people they know and trust who they turn to for their oral health needs. It is also good to find people who have had work done beyond a standard cleaning. A person who has had considerable work done and still raves about their dentist may have a provider to consider.
It is also helpful to ask one's family doctor or local pharmacist for a referral. These medical professionals have extensive knowledge about their area and often get feedback from patients. Those who are moving may want to ask their current dentist for a recommendation.
“One of the strongest recommendations for the right dentist can come from one’s own family, close friends, and co-workers.”
Social Media Search
Social media represents a significant part of our everyday lives. Over recent years, medical professionals have been using this tool to draw in prospective patients. Next to Google, Facebook remains the second-largest review platform. When people search for a local dental practice on Facebook, dentists with strong recommendations typically show up at the top of search results.
Once individuals have a shortlist of options, it can help search for individual practices on Facebook. Dentists with a business page often feature posts showcasing their services, staff, and patient testimonials. This can provide valuable information about whether or not a practice would be a good fit.
Nextdoor is a less well-known social media option. This neighborhood-focused website requires users to provide proof of where they live when they join. Then they will be able to communicate with people directly in their community. This can be a great resource to find unbiased and honest patient reviews.
“Over recent years, medical professionals have been using this tool to draw in prospective patients.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find the Best Dentist in Irvine, CA
Starting Your Search
Patients must know what they are looking for before they begin their search. Though any kind of dentist can offer regular checkups and cleanings, different dentists have their own unique set of skills. As such, patients should consider the type of dentistry that will best suit their needs. Patients looking to straighten their teeth, for example, should look for someone who offers orthodontic services.
Other important factors to take into consideration include the proximity of the office, the friendliness of the staff, and the convenience of the office hours. Many patients feel more comfortable knowing that their dentist is close by, especially in case of emergency. Once one has all these factors in mind, they can then begin their search.
“Patients must know what they are looking for before they begin their search.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do I use a review website to find a dentist?
Q. Who should I ask about finding the right dentist?
Q. How do I use social media to find a dentist?
Q. What other resources can I use to find a dentist?
Q. What should I know before beginning my search for a dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during a dental checkup?
Q. What other preventative services are available?
Q. How does dental insurance work?
Q. What is a proper cleaning routine?
Weighing Patient Reviews
Local and state dental societies are also good resources. One can find a list of these societies on the American Dental Association's (ADA) website. These societies will show which dentists in the community are members. Additionally, one can use the ADA website to search for member dentists in the community by location, the type of dentist, and the maximum distance from your preferred location.
Most importantly, the right dentist will be board-certified and have a current registration with their state's dental board.
“Local and state dental societies are also good resources.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I know what kind of dentist I need?
A. Everyone should see a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, some patients may have needs that extend beyond the scope of a general dentist. Our team can refer patients out to specialists as necessary.
Q. Why are regular dental visits necessary?
A. Regular dental visits are an integral part of preventative dentistry. They allow dentists to catch problems before they have the chance to worsen (or even occur at all).
Q. How can I find dental healthcare when I have a preexisting condition?
A. It is crucial to mention this detail to prospective dentists, as certain preexisting conditions may complicate dental healthcare. Ask potential dentists if they have any experience treating similar patients.
Q. What kind of questions should I ask a prospective dentist?
A. Patients should never feel shy to ask any questions they may have about a prospective dentist. After all, one's oral health is something to take seriously. Make sure to ask about where each dentist was educated and trained, how they approach preventative dentistry, and whether or not they offer any types of anesthesia.
Q. What are the signs of a bad dental office?
A. Warning signs of a bad dental office include a generally unkempt appearance and rude or impatient team members. Such practices also typically only offer limited treatment options and shut down any questions immediately with a rude or defensive attitude. If you feel uncomfortable about your treatment at any point, you should move onto the next dentist right away.
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Dental Terminology
Finding the Right Dentist For You
Spending a little time doing the necessary research will help ensure you connect with the right dentist for your family. Call Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine at 949-336-3404 to learn more about the services we offer.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Smile by Design Dental Group was established in 2000.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Irvine, Lake Forest, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Beach
- National Provider Identifier Database (1396953949). View NPI Registry Information
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