Moving brings a load of changes in your life. There's the picking and packing and planning. Then you have the actual move with the unpacking and organizing and decision-making—where to put this, how to store that. If you have children, there's finding the new school and getting them enrolled. You have to learn a new job, a new commute, making new friends. The last thing on your mind is finding a new dentist. That is until you look on the mirror and realize your teeth haven't had a cleaning for a while, or you notice something more severe like a crack in your tooth.
Now, the need to find a new dentist is urgent. So, where do you go?
Even if you have insurance, there may be dozens, if not hundreds of choices. You’ve only ever been to one dental office in your whole life. Where do you start to look? Your last dental group may be part of a regional or national chain with outlets in several cities. If you choose to go to a dentist in the same chain, chances are your records are easily transferable between offices and the pricing should be similar. If you have dental insurance at your new job, ask co-workers for recommendations. But ask more than just one. Your dental needs may be completely different from theirs so try to get as many recommendations as possible.
When you have particular concerns such as allergies to dental medications or extra sensitive teeth, you'll want to look for a dentist that advertises as "gentle," or if you have a specific type of crown, you'll wish for someone knowledgeable about it. Online listings typically allow searching by specialty so that you can narrow down your choices that way. On the other hand, small, private practices may be more invested in the local neighborhood, so if that appeals to you, visit all the dental offices nearby your home to see if they support local ball teams or otherwise display signs of community involvement.
Finally, you can ask your neighbors, church or civic organization acquaintances or the parents of your children's classmates if they recommend someone. And, if the same name comes up more than once, you can compare each person's experience to help you decide. And don't forget to view their websites. Watching a video of your potential dentist can smooth the way for the first time meeting allowing a more relaxed experience since you know who to expect.
Your real estate agent might be an excellent resource for a recommendation, so don’t be afraid to ask.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.