Dr. John Cross of OC Lifesmiles in Newport Beach explains what families should look for when conducting research to find the best dentist in their area.
Newport Beach, CA — John Cross, DDS has been providing dental care for over two decades and has served the Orange County community as a cosmetic dentist in Newport Beach at OC Lifesmiles since 2006. Throughout his experience, he says he has come across many patients who are seeking dental care for their entire family. To help individuals throughout Orange County and beyond, Dr. Cross provided some helpful advice that he says can help ensure patients find the best dentist for themselves, as well as their family. He explains that it is important for patients to conduct thorough research, and to look into several dentists in their area. When reviewing the dental practices, Dr. Cross explains the following details should be considered:
- Credentials and Experience – Dr. Cross says it is crucial to review a potential dentist’s educational background and experience. He notes that in addition to having a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), top dentists are often affiliated with major dental organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). According to Dr. Cross, these memberships typically require continuing education courses, which are designed to ensure that the dentist in question is knowledgeable about the latest advancements and technology in dentistry.
- Dental Care Options – when seeking dental treatment for your family, Dr. Cross reminds patients to keep in mind what type of care is needed. If the prospective dentist does not offer the type of procedures you and your family members may be needing — from periodontal care and TMJ relief to dental implants or Invisalign® — they likely are not the best choice. If you or your family members are considering any type of restorative dentistry, or may need it in the future, Dr. Cross also stresses the importance of inquiring about the types of materials being used by the practice. For the most durable, natural-looking results, he notes that dentists should be using customizable porcelain and ceramic.
- Online Reviews – another great way for patients to get a better idea of what to expect from the dentist they are considering is to examine patient reviews. “Hearing what others have had to say about the dentist can really help someone understand what type of care they can anticipate, should they become a patient,” he says. He notes that hearing feedback in a patient’s own words is often a very reliable way to gauge how friendly, skilled, and experienced the dentist actually is.
After determining which dentist(s) seem best, Dr. Cross believes it can be helpful to meet them in person — or via video chat, if possible — to get to know them on a more personal level, as well as ask more specific questions. This also provides an opportunity for the patient to view before-and-after photos that may not be available on the dentist’s website, including cases that are similar to the specific concerns they or their family members might have. Lastly, Dr. Cross explains that patients should be mindful of any family members who experience dental anxiety. To ensure these loved ones are able to receive the dental care they need, he strongly recommends finding a dentist who offers sedation dentistry options.
Ultimately, Dr. Cross says the best dentist for you and your family should have the necessary skills and experience to meet your unique needs, and should be someone you feel comfortable with and confident in.
About John Cross, DDS
Dr. John Cross is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He maintains and continues his education through his memberships in various professional dental organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), American Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Orange County Dental Society, and United States Dental Tennis Association. He has been practicing dentistry since 1999, and opened OC Lifesmiles in 2006. Dr. Cross is available for interview upon request.
To learn more about Dr. Cross and his practice, please visit oclifesmiles.com and facebook.com/OCLifesmiles.
Contact:
OC Lifesmiles
20271 Acacia St., Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 261-1123
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
