How to Choose the Right Dentist: Advice From a Bergenfield Dentist

By Dr. James Park, DDS, The Dental Way

If you are wondering how to choose the right dentist, start with someone who has experience with the care you need, listens to your concerns, and helps you understand your options.

After many years in dentistry, I have learned that patients often arrive with more on their minds than their teeth. Some worry about pain. Others feel embarrassed about how long they have waited. Many are unsure what treatment will cost or whether they will have a say in the decisions.

Those concerns deserve attention. Whether you are looking for a dentist in Bergenfield, NJ, or another community, here is what I recommend considering before choosing a dental practice.

Look for Experience With the Treatment You Need

Dentistry covers a wide range of treatments. A dentist who regularly performs one procedure may have less experience with another.

Think about hiring a plumber. Installing a toilet and repairing a major underground pipe both involve plumbing, but they require different experience and equipment. You would want to know whether the person you hire regularly handles the particular job you need.

The same principle applies to dentistry. If you are considering veneers, dental implants, or crowns that restore implants, ask about the dentist’s experience with that specific treatment.

Questions to Ask About Experience

• How often do you perform this treatment?
• Have you treated situations similar to mine?
• What treatment options should I consider?
• Who would perform each part of my treatment?
• Would any part of my care involve a specialist?
• What should I expect during treatment and recovery?

Experience involves more than the number of years a dentist has practiced. Relevant training, familiarity with your particular needs, and thoughtful treatment planning also matter.

Choose a Dentist You Feel Comfortable Talking To

Personality fit matters. You should feel comfortable telling your dentist that you are nervous, that you do not understand something, or that you have concerns about a recommendation.

Over the years, I have seen the patient-dentist relationship become more collaborative. Patients want to understand their choices and participate in decisions about their care. I welcome that.

Everyone’s circumstances are different. Your priorities, budget, past experiences, and comfort level should be part of the conversation.

Look for Clear Explanations and Shared Decisions

At your first appointment, notice how the dentist communicates.

• Do they listen to your concerns?
• Do they explain findings in language you understand?
• Do they discuss reasonable alternatives?
• Do they explain why they recommend a particular treatment?
• Do they make room for questions?
• Do you feel involved in the treatment plan?

In my practice, I break things down into simple steps. I explain what I see, what it means, and what we can do about it. During treatment, I explain what to expect so patients feel more prepared.

Years of experience have helped me recognize many of the worries patients bring to a first visit. Listening helps me understand which concerns matter most to the person sitting in front of me.

If You Have Dental Anxiety, Look for Empathy

If a past dental experience has left you frightened, tell the office before your appointment. How the team responds can help you decide whether the practice feels right for you.

I remember a woman who came to our office after her daughter referred her. She had a difficult history with dentistry and was very apprehensive about receiving care. She needed a severely infected tooth removed.

I spoke calmly, explained what would happen, and took time to connect with her as a person. She needed patience and reassurance as well as dental treatment.

We were able to remove the tooth, and she was happy afterward. Helping her through that fear was a rewarding part of her care.

That experience reflects something I believe strongly: empathy belongs in the dental chair.

Ask How the Office Helps Nervous Patients

You can start with a simple question: “I have had a difficult dental experience before. How would you help me feel comfortable?”

Ask whether the dentist will explain each step and how you can signal if you need a pause. You should feel comfortable speaking up throughout your care.

Consider the Practice’s Track Record and Continuity of Care

A practice’s history can help you understand its relationship with the community. At The Dental Way in Bergenfield, our longstanding, family-owned practice has allowed us to build relationships with patients and their families over many years.

Although our office is located on Washington Avenue, a central road in Bergenfield, many patients find us through recommendations from friends and relatives.

Those referrals mean a great deal to me. When someone recommends us to a parent, spouse, or friend, they are trusting us with someone important to them.

A personal recommendation is a useful starting point. Ask what the person appreciates about the practice. Was the dentist patient? Were options explained clearly? How did the office respond when a concern arose?

Find Out Who Will Be Caring for You

Continuity and responsiveness matter. Before choosing an office, consider asking:

• Will I usually see the same dentist?
• Who should I contact if I have a concern after treatment?
• How are follow-up appointments handled?
• How does the office manage urgent dental problems?

For me, one of the strengths of a family-owned practice is the opportunity to address concerns directly and maintain a personal connection with patients.

Consider Cost Alongside the Care You Receive

My advice is to avoid choosing a dentist solely because they offer the lowest price.

Cost matters, and patients deserve clear financial information. However, a price alone does not tell you about the dentist’s experience, the treatment being proposed, or the follow-up care involved. A higher price does not automatically establish better quality either.

Look at the whole recommendation. Understand what is included, why treatment is suggested, and what alternatives may be available.

Ask About Insurance and Expected Costs

At The Dental Way, we participate in many dental insurance plans to help make care more affordable. Your benefits and out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan and treatment.

Before moving forward, ask:

• Does the practice participate in my specific insurance plan?
• What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?
• What does the estimate include?
• Are there reasonable treatment alternatives?
• If several treatments are needed, which should be prioritized?

A helpful financial conversation should leave you better informed about your choices.

Use the First Visit to Decide Whether the Practice Fits

Your first appointment gives you an opportunity to experience how the team treats you.

Notice whether your concerns are heard, your questions are answered, and the proposed next steps make sense. If something is unclear, ask for another explanation.

When choosing the right dentist, look for relevant experience, clear communication, empathy, and reliable follow-up. You should feel respected and comfortable discussing what matters to you.

A Message for Nervous New Patients

At The Dental Way, my approach is grounded in experience, patience, and empathy. I want patients to understand their care and feel supported at each step.

If you have been putting off a dental visit because you are afraid or unsure where to begin, this is what I would want you to hear:

“I’m glad you came in. We can do this together.”

If you are looking for a dentist in Bergenfield, NJ, contact The Dental Way to discuss your needs, ask about insurance participation, and schedule your first visit.