Many people have trouble finding a dentist they trust, let alone a specialist like a prosthodontist. And trust us, it matters, especially for more complex treatment. Fortunately, as board-certified prosthodontists, Dr. Giuliana and I have a pretty good idea of what you should be looking for. This is why we’ve decided to offer a guide to finding a prosthodontist near you who’s well-qualified, properly equipped, and well-liked by their patients. Keep reading to see the three factors that matter most, so you can continue your search with confidence.
Look at Qualifications
What separates a prosthodontist from a general dentist? A lot, actually. A prosthodontist has completed all the typical dental education and licensing requirements as regular dentists do. However, they’ve also spent an additional two to three years studying dental restorations like dentures, implants, and bridges.
Many prosthodontists then go on to become members of various professional organizations that help keep their skills sharp. We highly recommend looking for a specialist who is:
- A Member of the American College of Prosthodontists. This is an educational and scientific institution that represents the specialty and provides advanced training opportunities for its members.
- A Member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Another international association that focuses specifically on dental implants and tissue replacement.
- Has Board Certification. A prosthodontist who has this distinction is often considered an expert in their field. It involves rigorous testing with the American Board of Prosthodontists, including a written test and three separate oral exams. And it doesn’t stop there. After being approved for certification, a prosthodontist must recertify every eight years. During this process, they must show proof of continuing education to remain in good standing.
See What Technology They Use
The right technology can improve a prosthodontist’s ability to provide care, and since they perform complex treatments, every advantage counts. One piece of dental technology we recommend is a 3D cone beam scanner (also known as a CBCT scanner). Unlike a traditional X-ray, these devices rotate around a patient’s head and capture incredibly detailed, 360-degree images of the entire oral cavity. They make a huge difference in a prosthodontist’s ability to accurately place dental implants during surgery, as well as create effective oral appliances for TMD and sleep apnea.
Don’t Forget to Read Reviews
When you want to get a sense of what it’s actually like to visit a certain prosthodontist, it’s best to go straight to the source. In this case, that means checking third-party review sites like Google and Reddit.
The star rating system will give you a good estimate of the positive vs. negative review ratio, but I still recommend reading a few specific reviews to see what others have experienced at the practice. If you see multiple reviewers mention something specific (whether good or bad), that’s good information to have when making your decision.
Comparing these factors as you review each prosthodontist in your area might take some time, but it’s well worth the effort. A little patience will go a long way, and you’ll be thankful for it once you find the right professional for your needs. You rely on your teeth every day, so it makes sense to look for a specialist in the field of prosthetics to help you improve your quality of life!
About The Practice
At Premier Dental, Dr. Adam Jones and Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones are board-certified prosthodontists serving patients throughout Indian River County and the Treasure Coast. With advanced training in implants, full-mouth reconstruction, and complex restorative care, our team handles the cases other practices can’t—all under one roof. When you’re ready to find a prosthodontist who truly specializes in restoring smiles, give us a call at (772) 234-5353.