General Dentistry |6 min read

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing a Dentist in Anderson SC

by ProGrin Dental

ProGrin Augusta Road Dental Implants

 

Key Points

  • Finding a quality dental practice can be a challenge, especially in areas where there are many offices to choose from.
  • There are key qualities to look for in a dental practice that can make the selection process easier and more effective.

According to the dental demographics reporting company Dentagraphics, there are more than 1,200 general dentists in South Carolina and more than 650 specialty practices. Relative to population, both of these are far above the U.S. average.

When it comes to selecting a dentist, the sheer number can make this a difficult decision. The good news is that there are a few basic characteristics and qualifications that will help you distinguish an excellent dental practice from a mediocre one.

Below are five main factors to consider when choosing a dentist in Anderson SC. Keep reading to learn more about what qualities to look for and how they can contribute to selecting the best dentist for your and your family’s oral health goals.

Table of Contents

 

1. Credentials and Experience

One of the first qualities to look for in dentists in Anderson SC is qualifications. Examine educational background and licensure for dentists and staff. Every state, including South Carolina, requires licensures for dentists and dental hygienists, which indicate a minimal level of education, experience, examination, and ongoing training (to maintain).

You might also check for membership in professional organizations, like the American Dental Association. Most prominent dental offices will display this information on their website.

Beyond education, look for experience. Specifically, ensure that professional dental staff have worked to deliver the type of dental care you and your family members require. For instance, if you have young kids, make sure the practice is equipped to handle children and adolescents. If you need restorative dental care, investigate whether the practice has experience in particular treatments.

2. Range of Services

When looking for an Anderson SC dentist, it is vital to confirm that they offer a wide array of services. These can be broken down into preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. Preventive services include things like:

  • Dental checkups and cleanings
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Sealants
  • Night guards
  • Oral cancer screenings

According to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, preventive dental care is one of the best things you can do to minimize overall dental treatment and related costs down the road.2 That is because it involves monitoring and addressing oral health issues early on. Procedurs can help strengthen tooth enamel, and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Common restorative care that dentists provide includes services like:

These are designed to repair, remove, or replace decayed, damaged, or otherwise compromised teeth. They also can help prevent issues from worsening or more serious ones from developing.

Finally, ensure the dentist offers cosmetic procedures. Common ones include:

Keep in mind that, while these fall into the category of “cosmetic,” they often have functional impacts as well. For instance, malocclusion—or the misalignment of teeth—is prevalent in almost half of the population, and is responsible for myriad negative health outcomes, from uneven wear on teeth to serious jawbone problems.3 Coorecting such issues can not only straighten your smile, but improve chewing, speech, and other oral functions.

3. Professionalism and Communication

Professionalism should be at the center of any dental practice search. Cleanliness is priority number one. An orderly, modern office environment indicates that the dental practice keeps up with current trends and employs modern technology and practices.progrin dental of greenville team silly

Friendly, welcoming staff can help alleviate anxieties about visiting the dentist. An oral hygienist who thoroughly explains treatments and procedures means you will be more informed about the care you are receiving. It also can give you the confidence to ask difficult questions and provide for a better patient experience overall.

It is important to find a dentist who is compassionate and takes your concerns seriously. Active listening ensures that they put together a treatment plan that balances optimized oral health outcomes with your personal preferences and lifestyle.

It may be difficult to identify these qualities before visiting an office in person. Reading online reviews to see what former or current patients report about their experiences is a good place to start. Also, most quality dentist offices in Anderson will welcome prospective patients for a free, in-office tour and consultation.

4. Insurance and Payment Options

Like other medical procedures, dental work can be expensive. That is why it is important to ensure that a practice accepts your dental insurance benefits.

Most offices will work with major carriers and plans. If your coverage is through a government program, like Medicaid or some Medicare Advantage plans, ensure the dental office accepts those.

If you lack or have limited dental insurance coverage, ask about other payment options. Many dental offices offer flexible payment programs or in-house financing plans. These often cover things like basic cleaning and checkups, and give participants a discount should they require additional procedures or treatments.

5. Location and Hours

Proximity to where you work, live, and otherwise spend time can be a major factor when finding a dentist, though it should be balanced with the other qualities on this list. In general, you may be willing to travel a little farther for quality dental care, but a dentist office with a convenient location will make you more likely to keep appointments. It also can be useful if you need to change a visit at the last minute or for emergencies.

Speaking of emergency dental care: find out if an office offers it and how that works. Do they keep an emergency dentist on-call or have a referral service? Understanding these details can let you know what to do in the event of an emergency, and avoid having to go to the ER.

Find a Dentist in Anderson SC Today

Identifying a quality dental practice that can meet your oral health needs and goals can take some time and a little effort, but it is worth it. Following the five recommendations will help point you in the right direction, so you can find the best Anderson SC dentist that matches your schedule, budget, and oral health goals.

At ProGrin, our dental offices in Anderson SC offer a variety of treatments and services by a team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals. Contact us at that location, or one of our many dentist offices in Greenville and throughout the Upstate, to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

 

References

  1. “South Carlina Dental Demographics,” Dentagraphics, retrieved on January 28, 2025, from: https://www.dentagraphics.com/infographic/south-carolina.
  2. Evidence Nadereh Pourat, PhD; Moonkyung Kate Choi, PhD; Xiao Chen, PhD, “Evidence of Effectiveness of Preventive Dental Care in Reducing Dental Treatment Use and Related Expenditures,” Journal of Public Health Dentistry, October 2018, from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jphd.12262.
  3. Linnea Närhi, Mimmi Tolvanen, Pertti Pirttiniemi, Anna-Sofia Silvola, “Malocclusion Severity and Its Associations With Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in an Adult Population,” The European Journal of Orthodontics, September 2021, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380859/.
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