Find the Best Dentist in Charleston, SC
If you are looking to find the best dentist near you, all the options can be overwhelming. There are many factors to take into consideration. Fortunately, there are multiple resources at your disposal to find the best dentist for you.
Find the right dentist near you at Hudgens Dental. We are proud to serve Charleston and the surrounding area. We can help you with all your general oral health needs, and we can refer you out to a specialist if necessary. Call us today at (843) 588-5115 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Using Review Websites
Online review sites are one of the best places to start looking for a nearby dentist. It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture. Some review sites remove negative reviews or tend to hide them at the bottom. Be sure to filter the reviews by the most recent and look for patterns appearing in the comments that may indicate a problem.
Google contains more than half of all reviews worldwide. A practice with multiple positive reviews will be one of the first things a prospective patient sees when searching for the right dentist. Google reviews are very popular and are an excellent place to start to help add or eliminate providers from your list.
Healthgrades has millions of reviews for dentists and offers a search function to find a dentist in the area quickly. Patients can also use this site to request an appointment. Zocdoc is another website that also lets patients search for dentists using ZIP code, insurance, availability, and languages.
Vitals and 1-800-Dentist are two other web resources. 1-800-Dentist takes it a bit further, asking patients to fill out a short questionnaire. Once it has been completed, an operator calls the patient with options that meet the criteria they indicated.
When using a review site, individuals should look beyond the number of stars and focus on the patient comments. After reading several, they can better understand what people like and do not like about a particular dental practice.
“It is best to compare multiple reviews from different websites to get a complete picture.”
Using Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the most valuable insights one can get when searching for a new dentist. These types of recommendations often allow individuals to get firsthand feedback from a dentist's actual patients. According to WebMD, it may help one to ask their friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers for any referrals. Even a family doctor or local pharmacist may be able to provide a recommendation.
Patients looking for a new dentist because they are moving may also want to consider asking their current dentist if they know anyone in the area. The American Dental Association (ADA) also has a Find-a-Dentist® tool to assist individuals searching for a new dentist.
“Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the most valuable insights one can get when searching for a new dentist.”
Social Media Search
Social media represents a significant part of our everyday lives. Over recent years, medical professionals have been using this tool to draw in prospective patients. Next to Google, Facebook remains the second-largest review platform. When people search for a local dental practice on Facebook, dentists with strong recommendations typically show up at the top of search results.
Once individuals have a shortlist of options, it can help search for individual practices on Facebook. Dentists with a business page often feature posts showcasing their services, staff, and patient testimonials. This can provide valuable information about whether or not a practice would be a good fit.
Nextdoor is a less well-known social media option. This neighborhood-focused website requires users to provide proof of where they live when they join. Then they will be able to communicate with people directly in their community. This can be a great resource to find unbiased and honest patient reviews.
“Over recent years, medical professionals have been using this tool to draw in prospective patients.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find the Best Dentist in Charleston, SC
How to Start Your Search
Before starting the search, a prospective patient needs to figure out what is most important to them and their family regarding dental care. For example, many people like their dentist to be near home, work, or school and have convenient office hours. This makes it easier to keep appointments or stop by in case of an emergency.
Furthermore, prospective patients with children may need an office that offers pediatric dentistry, while prospective patients with mobility issues will need an office that is handicap accessible. By doing a little research on one's "must-haves," prospective patients will be able to determine if it is even worth their time to schedule an appointment at a practice in the first place.
Once one has compiled a good list of candidates, it is time to head to the dentists' websites to learn more about the office and see if they have a social media presence to help get the overall picture.
“Before starting the search, a prospective patient needs to figure out what is most important to them and their family regarding dental care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do I use a review website to find a dentist?
Q. How do I use social media to find a dentist?
Q. What do I need to know before starting the search for a dentist?
Q. What other resources can I use to find a dentist?
Q. Who should I ask for word-of-mouth referrals?
People Also Ask
Q. What do routine and deep cleanings involve?
Q. Why do I need routine dental treatment?
Q. Why would a tooth need to be extracted?
Q. Why are routine dental checkups and care important?
Weighing Patient Reviews
Local and state dental societies are also good resources. One can find a list of these societies on the American Dental Association's (ADA) website. These societies will show which dentists in the community are members. Additionally, one can use the ADA website to search for member dentists in the community by location, the type of dentist, and the maximum distance from your preferred location.
Most importantly, the right dentist will be board-certified and have a current registration with their state's dental board.
“Local and state dental societies are also good resources.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I know what kind of dentist I need?
A. Everyone should see a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, some patients may have needs that extend beyond the scope of a general dentist. Our team can refer patients out to specialists as necessary.
Q. Why are regular dental visits necessary?
A. Regular dental visits are an integral part of preventative dentistry. They allow dentists to catch problems before they have the chance to worsen (or even occur at all).
Q. How can I find dental healthcare when I have a preexisting condition?
A. It is crucial to mention this detail to prospective dentists, as certain preexisting conditions may complicate dental healthcare. Ask potential dentists if they have any experience treating similar patients.
Q. What kind of questions should I ask a prospective dentist?
A. Patients should never feel shy to ask any questions they may have about a prospective dentist. After all, one's oral health is something to take seriously. Make sure to ask about where each dentist was educated and trained, how they approach preventative dentistry, and whether or not they offer any types of anesthesia.
Q. What are the signs of a bad dental office?
A. Warning signs of a bad dental office include a generally unkempt appearance and rude or impatient team members. Such practices also typically only offer limited treatment options and shut down any questions immediately with a rude or defensive attitude. If you feel uncomfortable about your treatment at any point, you should move onto the next dentist right away.
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Dental Terminology
Finding the Right Dentist For You
Spending a little time doing the necessary research will help ensure you connect with the right dentist for your family. Call Hudgens Dental in Charleston at 843-588-5115 to learn more about the services we offer.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Hudgens Dental was established in 1996.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Charleston County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Ravenel, Meggett, North Charleston, Daniel Island, and West Ashley
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
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- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
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