Maybe you’ve woken up in the middle of the night with a nagging pain in that back molar. Perhaps it’s braces time for your teen. Whatever the case may be, choosing a dentist you can trust is no easy feat – but with our handy tips to find a dentist, you’ll be on your way to dental perfection in no time.

1. Read online reviews

We’re living in the golden era of online reviews, which means you can see what other people have to say online about everything from that takeaway Chinese place down the street to your local dental specialist. There are more than 18,000 dentists on Yellow alone (and loads of reviews) so you’re just a few clicks away from finding your new family dentist.

2. Ask for word-of-mouth recommendations

We get it: sometimes you need to get old-school and actually ask other people for dentist recommendations. Have a chat to friends and family to see what they have to say about their experiences.

3. Check dentist’s list of services

Most dentists are familiar with standard procedures like teeth cleaning and fillings, but if you need a more specialised service like cosmetic dental work or braces, make sure to check that a dentist ticks the right boxes before making an appointment.

4. Find out if they’re kid-friendly

Going to the dentist is a scary prospect for most kids. For this reason many dentists equip their offices with child-friendly TV screens, activities and decorations to prove that they’re not in fact the bogeyman in a white coat. If you’re taking your little one in for treatment, take a look at photos online to make sure the dentist you’re considering passes the child-friendliness test.

5. Do a price comparison

Most dental services aren’t covered by Medicare, which means if you don’t have dental insurance you could be out of pocket thousands of dollars from a single dentist trip. Compare price lists and request quotes from a handful of businesses to find one that offers a good balance between affordability and reputation.

6. Check their opening hours

Some dental offices only open during business hours while others stay open longer or even offer 24-hour emergency services. Make sure the dentist you choose has hours that you can work into your schedule.

7. Browse social media and online galleries

Many dental businesses have website and social media galleries dedicating to showcasing their work, which is especially handy if you’re planning to have cosmetic dental work done. Once you’ve collated a list of potential dentists, check out their work online to see what sort of results they could achieve for you.

8. Review dentists licenses and qualifications

Dentists should be registered to the Dental Board of Australia under either a limited registration or specialist registration. If you’re having specialist work done, it’s in your best interest to make sure the dentist you choose is specifically qualified to carry out the work.

9. Check what’s covered by your dental insurance

If you have dental insurance, you might want to look for a ‘No Gap’ dentist. This means certain standard dental procedures carried out at the dental office are entirely covered by insurance and you won’t need to pay an excess fee.

10. Start with a check-up

If you suspect you need to have major dental work done, it’s a good idea to visit for a standard check-up and consultation first. During your first appointment, you’ll get a feel for your new dentist’s bedside manner and practice, which will help you decide if you want to stick with them or keep looking.