The rising prevalence of oral disease is triggering the dental industry's growth. In fact, about 19% of the adult population (one billion people) have periodontal disease! This is causing a demand for early disease detection. 

If you don't have a dentist in Catoosa, OK, this is your reminder to find one. Otherwise, you could compromise your oral health.

Not sure how to find the best Catoosa dentists? Read on for the tips you need to find a local dentist today!

1. Ask for Referrals

Before using the rest of this dentist selection guide, ask your friends, family members, and neighbors in Catoosa for help. They'll help you create a list of the top dental care in Catoosa.

Prepare a list of questions to ask about their previous dental visits. For example:

• Where is the practice located?
• How long has the dentist practiced?
• What type of dentistry do they specialize in?
• What services do they offer?
• Is the staff friendly and professional?
• Have you had any problems at their clinic?
• Do they treat kids and adults?

This information will provide insights into the dentist's care and service quality. It could help you determine which local dentists to avoid.

If a friend had problems while at the clinic, learn more. Did the staff try to remedy the problem? This will help you find a practice that cares about patient experiences.

Gather additional insights by reading reviews on Yelp and Healthgrades. Choose a dentist that already has an established, positive reputation. You can feel more confident choosing a dentist locals know and trust.

Look for complaints about the staff's demeanor. Perhaps they were unprofessional or rushed patients out. Maybe the office was crowded, which can indicate delays and overbooking. 



If you're unable to gather personal referrals, begin your search online. Visit Healthgrades and the American Dental Association websites. These resources can help you create a list of local board-certified professionals.

2. Review Credentials

Find the best dental care in Catoosa by reviewing each dentist's education, training, and credentials. The State Board of Dentistry sets US licensure requirements. These can vary by state or territory, but often include:

• Educational requirements
• Written examinations
• Clinical assessments

Nearly all states require dentists to obtain a DDS or DMD degree. Confirm that the dentist graduated from a dental education program accredited by CODA.

Check that the dentist passed the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. You can verify the dentist's credentials for practicing in Oklahoma here.



Visit each dentist's Healthgrades profile to review their credentials. Use it to confirm that they don't have any malpractice claims against them.

The best Catoosa dentists have years of hands-on experience behind them. They'll leverage their experience to provide a higher standard of care. Determine how long each dentist on your list has offered services.

Consider when they opened their own dental practice. You can feel confident knowing they've outlasted competing practices. They won't close overnight.

Make sure the dentist's experience aligns with your needs. Are you looking for a general, family, or cosmetic dentist? If they recently started offering the services you need, continue your search.

Consider choosing a family dentist. They'll offer continuous care for your entire family. Your child may feel more comfortable visiting the same familiar dentist as they get older.

This will offer you ease and convenience. You won't need to take multiple family members to appointments on different days. 

Finding a long-experienced dentist will give you peace of mind. However, you should confirm the dentist isn't practicing based on outdated information. Choose a dentist who prioritizes continuing education.



These dentists remain apprised of new technologies and techniques. They'll offer a higher standard of care by avoiding outdated practices.

Determine what dental care services each practice offers. Choose one that offers a range of services, such as:

• Preventive dentistry
• Family dentistry
• Fast braces and orthodontics
• Implant dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Periodontics
• Snoring and sleep apnea treatment

Learn more about the services included under each category. Preventive dentistry includes regular cleanings and examinations.

Cosmetic dentistry includes smile makeovers, bonding, veneers, and teeth whitening.

Finding a full-service dental clinic can offer convenience later. You won't need to visit a different clinic for specialty services.

Schedule a consultation appointment at two or three clinics on your list. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the dentist ahead of time.

This will give you the chance to fill in gaps in your research. It can also help you gauge the dentist's demeanor. Are they personable, easy to talk to, and friendly?



Look for a dentist your entire family will feel comfortable around. This can help ease dental anxiety, which affects children and adults. Between 50 and 80% of American adults have dental anxiety.

6. Ask About Emergency Services

Look for a dental practice that offers emergency services. This will ensure that you or your child receives immediate care. Visiting a dentist during an emergency can minimize the risk of complications.

Situations that indicate you need an emergency dentist include:

• Severe toothaches
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Dental abscesses
• Badly cracked teeth
• Lost or broken dental restorations
• Extruding or partially dislodged teeth
• Knocked out teeth

If these situations sound familiar, visit an emergency dentist right away. You'll have peace of mind knowing they offer extended hours. 



Consider where each dental practice is located. Find a practice near your home, work, or child's school. If there's an emergency, you can receive immediate help without traffic delays.

7. Compare Costs

Ask each dental practice about their pricing. Compare costs between three clinics to recognize the average. Determine if your insurance network will cover routine cleanings and additional services.



Determine if the clinic offers financing options. They'll work with you to ensure your family receives care.

Find Your Dentist in Catoosa, OK

Don't rush when choosing a dentist in Catoosa, OK. Instead, use this dentist selection guide to narrow down your options. Choose a practice that offers the dental care your family needs for happy, healthy smiles.

Look no further than Dental Arts! We offer a full range of dental services in a comfortable, relaxing environment. 

We care about our patients as though they're family. We'll make it easy for your family to maintain peak dental health! Contact us now to schedule an appointment.