5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Dentist

Choosing a dentist is one of the most important healthcare decisions you'll make — yet most people rely on nothing more than a star rating and proximity. Here are five questions that go beyond reviews to help you find a practice you'll actually love.

1. What technology does the practice use?

Modern dental technology directly affects your comfort and outcomes. Digital X-rays expose you to 80% less radiation than traditional film. CEREC machines can create a crown in a single visit instead of two. Intraoral cameras let you see exactly what the dentist sees.

DentalVitals shows you which technologies a practice has adopted, so you don't have to guess or call ahead.

2. Do they offer online booking?

Online booking is more than a convenience — it signals a practice that invests in patient experience. Practices with digital scheduling tend to have shorter wait times and better appointment management.

3. How many providers work there?

A single-dentist practice might mean a personal touch, but it also means fewer scheduling options and potential delays if they're out sick. Multi-provider practices offer more flexibility and often have specialists on staff.

4. What's their modernity score?

DentalVitals rates every practice on a 0–100 Vitals Score based on technology adoption, digital readiness, and patient engagement tools. A score above 70 indicates a modern, well-equipped practice. Below 40 suggests they may be behind the curve.

5. Are they accepting new patients?

This seems obvious, but popular practices often have waitlists. DentalVitals shows you which practices are actively accepting new patients so you don't waste time on calls that lead nowhere.

The bottom line: star ratings tell you how patients feel. DentalVitals tells you what the practice actually is — its technology, readiness, and infrastructure. Both matter when you're choosing your next dentist.