7 Tips for Finding the Right Local Dentist in Maine


82% of Americans acknowledge that oral hygiene plays a critical role in maintaining the overall health and hygiene of an individual. Sadly, only one in every four is content about the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums. Recognizing the importance of the biannual visits to a local dentist recommended by the American Dental Association is a great place to start.

Here are seven tips to help you pick out the right family dentist in Maine.

1. Qualifications and Certifications

A dentist must attain certain qualification requirements before receiving a license to practice. You can verify the credentials of the local dentist through their website. Inquire about the dental school they attended and the in-hospital experience during their residency program. Dr. Lucas Homicz attended dental school at Columbia University and furthered his education through a dental residency at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY. Additionally, you may want to check with the local state board to see if there are any complaints lodged against them.

2. Location

You may need to find a local dentist conveniently located within Maine. You may not wish to sit in traffic for hours during a dental emergency for your child, desperately trying to get to the other side of town. Proximity to your children’s school or your workplace may make it easier to access the dental care you need. High Tide Dental is conveniently located in the town center of Cape Elizabeth and within walking distance of all three local schools.

3. Services Provided

Statistics show adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to dental cavities. Both of these oral health issues can be easily prevented with regular tooth inspection and cleaning by the local dentist. Inquire about the services provided by the family dental office. Common dental services include teeth cleaning, dental fillings, teeth whitening, dental exams, surgical extractions, and implants. Find a dentist that will provide all-around care for your family. High Tide Dental is a family focused dental practice. We start to see children when their first teeth erupt and continue to provide preventative and restorative care through the rest of their life. Currently our oldest patient is 100 years old.

4. Insurance

Your dental benefit plan may help offset some of the out-of-pocket costs at the dentist office. Inquire if the local dentist accepts your insurance. At High Tide Dental we participate with most insurances and would be happy to answer any of your insurance questions or provide you with a pre-determination of benefits before your visit. 

5. Office Ambiance

Patient comfort is key to minimizing the effects of dental anxiety. The dentist-patient relationship you will establish may last for decades, with hundreds of appointments and dental cleanings. You may need to find a local dentist that every member of your family is comfortable with. If you have young kids, look for child-friendly features that can ease their tension before meeting the pediatric dentist. At High Tide Dental, we offer a separate child focused waiting room, iPads, and individual televisions in our treatment rooms for your convenience.

6. Hours of Operation

Dental emergencies may occur when least expected. The operating hours of the local dental office may affect your appointment booking and services received during a dental emergency. You may need to find a readily accessible family dentist to provide proper oral care whenever you need it.

7. Reviews and Recommendations

The easiest way to find a reputable local dentist is to ask for recommendations from family, friends, or your family physician. You can then research more about the various dental practices on the list. Reading through the reviews on their website and other review sites such as Google and Yelp can help you determine the quality of their services.

Finding the right local dentist may be critical to providing the best level of oral care for your family. If you are searching for a family dentist in Maine, reach out to High Tide Dental at (207) 767-3211.