The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Looking for a reliable general dentist in Miami, Fort Lauderdale? How can you make the right choice? Dr. Lipovetskiy has created a checklist for selecting a dentist – how to assess their experience, understand their pricing, and what questions to consider in advance.
Why is it Difficult to Choose the Right Dentist?
There are quite a few dentists in Fort Lauderdale. For example, if you try to find a dentist near you in Fort Lauderdale using Google Maps, the search will show more than 50 options. Some of them clearly appear through paid ads. Most dental clinics will have high review ratings—around 4.5 stars or higher. It can be challenging to make a choice if you're focused on the quality of care rather than location. What should you pay attention to?
Experience and Knowledge
What to look for:
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Years of Practice The more years a dentist has been treating patients, the more refined their skills and in-depth knowledge of dental or gum diseases will be. An experienced dentist should offer a variety of procedures—from cleanings to implants or cosmetic dentistry.
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Dentist's Specialization It's better not to just see a general dentist. Look for a specialist who focuses on orthodontics, prosthetics, or implants, depending on your specific case. This way, you’ll save on referrals and receive more detailed recommendations.
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Certification and Continuing Education Check for certifications, memberships in professional associations (IAOMT, ADA, FDA), and evidence of ongoing education in modern techniques.
Dr. Boris Lipovetskiy has been treating teeth in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and neighboring cities for over 30 years. Dr. Lipovetskiy handles a wide range of clinical cases:
- Uses minimally invasive treatment methods. If one or more teeth are missing, the dentist installs implants.
- Offers cosmetic dental treatments for issues like tooth discoloration or misshapen teeth.
- Conducts comprehensive bite assessments and fits aligners. Diagnoses teeth grinding, provides bruxism treatment & TMJ care, and offers night mouth guards for protection during treatment.
- Performs complete smile design with veneers to create a new smile.
- As a holistic dentist, Dr. Lipovetskiy uses only biocompatible materials and safely removes hazardous mercury fillings.
Certifications and Awards
During your consultation, ask the dentist to show you their certifications and awards.
What to look for:
- Active Degree. Ensure that the dentist holds a valid DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. These are standard dental qualifications that indicate the dentist has undergone thorough education and training.
- Membership in Dental Associations. Membership in organizations like the ADA (American Dental Association) shows that the dentist is continually enhancing their skills, stays up-to-date with modern techniques, and performs high-quality work. This significantly reduces the risk of complications during and after treatment.
- Recent Certification or Award Date. Check when the dentist was last certified or awarded. Dental techniques evolve rapidly, and a dentist who regularly updates their training can provide the most advanced care.
At Advanced Dental Wellness, our general dentist, Dr. Boris, is a proud member of the prestigious International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Most recently, Dr. Boris was awarded the title of "Best Dentist of 2023" in Fort Lauderdale for his exceptional patient care and expertise in the field.
He also holds certifications in working with the orthodontic system Invisalign® and the modern clear aligner system CandidPro, providing transparent aligners for teeth straightening.
Reviews and Recommendations
When choosing a dentist, patient reviews provide valuable insight into the quality of care and professionalism. Reviews on trusted platforms like Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades allow you to assess the dentist’s skills, communication, and clinic environment based on real patient feedback.
In addition to online reviews, ask for personal recommendations from family, friends, and colleagues about their experiences with specific dentists.
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for Advanced Dental Wellness Center highlight the services, equipment, and the doctor’s approach to patient care.
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for Advanced Dental Wellness Center include detailed descriptions of specific procedures, clinic staff behavior, and the overall atmosphere.
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provides information about the qualifications of dentists at Advanced Dental Wellness Center, along with patient reviews.
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share personal experiences from patients after visiting the clinic.
What Should You Look For?
In reviews, look for praise regarding the dentist’s professionalism, attentiveness, and expertise. Consider what patients say about the clinic’s cleanliness, staff attentiveness, treatment speed, and ease of scheduling. Negative reviews aren’t always a bad sign—see how the dentist responds to such feedback.
Approach and Philosophy
If a dentist focuses on your specific concerns, listens to your needs, thoroughly explains procedures, and offers personalized treatment options, it builds trust and ensures a positive treatment experience.
How Does This Help You Choose the Right Dentist?
Consider the following:
- Top-Class Expertise: A high-level dentist uses modern equipment like digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, Tekscan, Tens units, and laser technology.
- Innovation in Dentistry: Clinics that embrace the latest innovations can offer more effective and minimally invasive solutions for your dental needs.
- Oral Health and Overall Well-Being: Oral health often impacts overall body health (e.g., weakened immune system, increased body temperature).
Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in using mercury-free, biocompatible materials.
Thanks to this, patients avoid allergic reactions to dental materials, irritation, severe pain, high temperatures, or other complications.
Price Transparency and Guarantees
An experienced dentist understands the value of their services, but to avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s important to know the cost of all procedures in advance.
After diagnosis, ask about:
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The total cost of planned procedures
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What each charge covers
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Whether there is a service agreement
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What guarantees are offered
Why Is This Important?
- Knowing the cost of procedures in advance helps you budget accordingly and decide if the treatment fits within your financial means.
- If the dentist breaks down the overall cost into clear components (consultation fee, dentist's work, dental materials), you’ll understand where your money is going and why certain treatments may cost more.
- A written agreement legally protects both you and the dentist, reducing the risk of disputes.
- A guarantee on the dentist’s work, prosthetics, or other dental constructions indicates that the specialist is confident in the quality of the results.
Schedule a Free Consultation
To choose a good dentist, schedule a free consultation at the clinic.
It doesn't obligate you to anything, but it allows you to personally ask the dentist your questions, observe their approach, and check out the office and equipment.
During your first visit, also pay attention to the staff—see if they are open, friendly, and willing to help and answer any questions you may have.
FAQ
Consider the following:
- Do you feel comfortable communicating with the dentist?
- Does the dentist answer your questions thoroughly?
- Does the dentist have certifications proving their professionalism?
- What is the atmosphere like in the office?
- Is there modern equipment in the clinic?
- Does the dentist provide clear information about the cost of procedures?
