Healthy teeth and gums make for a confident self-image and sense of well-being. To keep your smile bright, pick the best Jonesboro Dentist. Michael C. Parkey DDS and Craig T. Davis DDS talk about ways to find excellent dental care.

When your dentist retires, or you have just moved to a new city, you need reliable dental care for you and your family. At Parkey & Davis DDS, the staff and doctors themselves know what excellent restorative, preventive and cosmetic dental services look like because they deliver them to the Jonesboro area residents every day. Of course, don’t take their word for it. Investigate providers yourself.

First, do research. Ask for referrals from sources who know your area well. For instance, talk to friends, neighbors or coworkers. What dental office do they go to?

Additionally, look to the internet. Online rating services have a wealth of information about all kinds of health care providers. Read up on credentials, hours of operation and services offered. Also, while 5-star ratings aren’t always 100 percent reliable, they may give you a general idea of how well a particular dentist is liked.

Next, call your state’s branch of the American Dental Association or the dental school attached to the university nearest you. Get the name of more than one local dentist. For the Jonesboro area, contact the Arkansas State Dental Association.

When you have secured some names, look at the provider’s website for information on services provided, office hours, and doctor’s credentials and professional associations. Some websites contain patient testimonials. Look for a decided focus on patients in the way of newsletters, blogs and patient education articles.

Education and expertise are paramount. Like Drs. Parkey and Davis, the dentist you pick should have graduated from a fully accredited dental college. Plus, he or she should have ample continuing education hours and/or belong to dental study groups which keep skills current and sharp.

Look, too, at his or her professional associations. For example, both Drs. Parkey and Davis belong to the Northeast Arkansas Dental Society and Crowley’s Ridge Study Club, among others. Professional peer interaction keeps dentists accountable.

You might consider actually visiting the new dentist’s office before booking your first appointment. Consider the following:

• Does the office have a warm, relaxed atmosphere?
• Is the staff friendly and welcoming?
• Are the reception areas and treatment rooms orderly and clean?
• How does the staff interact with patients, especially seniors and children?
• Does the practice accept your dental insurance?
• Are there any ongoing or new patient specials?
• Is financing available for complex procedures?

Finally, look into what services the doctors offer. While preventive services (exams, cleanings, sealants) are foundational to good care, a well-rounded practice offers the most up to date restorations, cosmetic treatments and diagnostic tools. Ask what a routine dental appointment looks like. Ask if procedures such as periodontal therapy are handled in-house or referred out? Are the needs of the anxious patient addressed?