Your dentist should be someone you trust. After all, your oral health is one of the most important elements of your well-being.
The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of dental care as essential health care. Finding the right dentist isn’t just about cleanings and check-ups. It’s about choosing a doctor who is a good fit for you— whether that means flexible hours, specialized care, or a gentle approach for those first-appointment nerves.
Insurance, location, and reputation all play a role, but the decision goes beyond convenience. A good dentist makes routine visits easy and major procedures less stressful.
In Florida, your choice matters even more. In 2023, the state ranked as the 10th worst in the country for dental health. Limited provider availability, lack of insurance coverage, and gaps in preventive care all contribute to the challenge of selecting a great dentist.
Considering that there are over 500 dental providers in the St. Petersburg area, it helps to know what to look for. This guide covers six key factors, from qualifications and services to pricing and patient experience. A checklist at the end will make your dentist search even simpler.
Take the time to choose wisely for better care, fewer headaches, and a healthier smile in the long run.
1. Doctor Experience & Qualifications
Choosing the right dental care starts with assessing the provider’s experience and credentials. Board certification confirms they meet national care standards, and continuing education shows they stay current with new treatments and technology. Graduation from an accredited dental school means they have met rigorous academic and clinical training standards. Continued education through residencies and advanced certifications shows the provider is current and focused on continuous improvement in their field.
Dentistry constantly evolves, and a provider who keeps learning will offer patients better care and more treatment options.
Years in practice can also be a good sign of reliability, but experience alone isn’t everything. A long-standing dentist may have a strong track record, while a newer provider may bring the latest techniques and technology. The best choice is someone who balances experience with a modern approach to care.
A key difference at Bayway Dental: A little research can go a long way. Patients at Bayway Dental know Dr. David Sherberg exemplifies the qualities only the most discerning patients demand in a top-tier dentist. Beyond having the basics of active licenses, professional memberships, and a proven commitment to continuing education, Dr. Sherberg is a national authority in the dental industry. He is highly sought after for his clinical expertise as a coach for top dentists across the nation. Regular invitations to share his expertise help support the improvement of dental clinicians nationally, benefitting his patients, too.
2. Scope of Dental Services Provided
A dentist’s services should cover both routine care and specialized treatments when needed. Comprehensive dental services mean you can get all the care you need under one roof, but that is rare to find. Most patients access comprehensive care through a network of dental specialist referrals. Some services to consider when selecting a dentist are highlighted below.
General Dentistry:
- Routine cleanings and exams
- Restorative Care for cavities (fillings, crowns, bridges)
- Gum disease treatment
- X-rays and oral cancer screenings
Specialized Care:
- Cosmetic Dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, bonding)
- Oral Surgery (tooth extractions, bone grafting, All-on-4 dental implant surgery)
- Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign)
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Restorative Dentistry (crowns, bridges, dental implant crowns)
- Periodontics (gum grafting, deep cleanings, dental implants)
- Prosthodontics (dentures, implant-supported dentures, partials)
Emergency and Same-Day Appointments:
- Tooth pain or swelling
- Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Abscesses and infections
Not every St. Petersburg dental office offers everything, so check before scheduling an appointment. Most dental practices refer patients to specialists for orthodontics or implants, for example.
For emergencies, same-day appointments can make a big difference. Here at Bayway Dental, you can access flexible scheduling, often with same-day appointments for urgent dental care options.
A key difference at Bayway Dental is the fact that most care is provided by one doctor here at one office. This saves time, provides for the most efficient treatment, and avoids the challenges often found with referrals to other providers. We are also open 5 days per week, Monday through Friday.
3. Dental Insurance & Payment Options
Cost plays a huge role in choosing a dentist, so look into what insurance they accept and how they handle payments. Most offices take major insurance plans. Some will file claims on your behalf, while others require you to submit them yourself.
It’s also good to check which specific treatments are covered and what you’ll need to pay out of pocket. Your insurance plan is the best resource for this information, but most dental offices will coordinate that information and relay it back to their patients.
Financing options can help those without insurance or when insurance falls short. Keep in mind that most insurance plans act more like a “coupon” when it comes to having major dental work done, unfortunately.
Many dental offices partner with third parties so you can finance major dental treatment if needed. Some offices also have membership plans that provide discounts on routine care for uninsured patients.
Price transparency is another factor. To avoid surprises, ask for a cost breakdown ahead of time.
A key difference at Bayway Dental is the fact that we do complex dentistry involving multiple specialties of dentistry regularly, so we are usually able to find a plan that meets not only your goals but also your budget. You leave here knowing all your options and their fees so you can make the best decision for you.
4. Practice Reputation
A dentist’s digital reputation says a lot about the quality of care you can expect. Online reviews, such as Google or Healthgrades, are a good place to start. High ratings and positive feedback about professionalism, cleanliness, and treatment outcomes are strong indicators of a reliable practice.
Beware of Yelp, as their reviews are not a reliable source. They require offices to pay them to maintain their positive reviews; offices that decline this extortionist practice will only have negative reviews visible on their site.
Don’t forget about word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers in St. Petersburg how their experiences are – find out how comfortable they felt during visits or how well the staff handled insurance and scheduling.
Remember to read between the lines. A few negative reviews aren’t necessarily a red flag, but repeated complaints about long wait times, rushed care, or billing issues might be.
We also recommend paying attention to how the office responds to criticism. Thoughtful replies show they take patient satisfaction seriously.
A key difference at Bayway Dental is that not only do we have consistently favorable reviews on Google, Healthgrades and BestLocalReviews, but we also have won several “Best Dentist” awards in the Tampa Bay area over the years. Our reputation for quality dental treatment is further supported by our Baway Guarantee. We guarantee you will love your new smile!
5. Dentist Office Location & Hours
Convenience matters when choosing a dentist in the Tampa Bay area, especially on the Pinellas peninsula, and even more when looking only in St. Petersburg. An office close to home or work makes it easier to keep up with routine visits and handle unexpected issues. A long commute can make a simple check-up a hassle, especially when you’re in the middle of a complex treatment.
Additionally, hours of operation are important. Many dental offices stick to standard business hours, but some offer early morning, evening, or weekend appointments. If you have a busy schedule, finding a practice with extended hours can make a big difference.
Online scheduling is also worth considering. While most St. Pete offices require phone calls for appointments, some offer easy online scheduling. Being able to schedule, reschedule, or confirm appointments with a few clicks adds another layer of convenience.
A key difference at Bayway Dental is that we are conveniently located right off Exit 17 on 275, making our office easily accessible to our patients who live anywhere from north Tampa to southern Sarasota. We even have dentists from out of state seeking the best dental care with us!
6. Comfort & Patient Experience
A good Tampa Bay dentist understands that patient experience goes beyond just treatment. Qualified dental professionals who provide a welcoming environment can significantly enhance patient comfort.
And let’s be honest, for many people, going to the dentist can be scary.
A welcoming office, friendly staff, and a clean environment help set the tone. A practice that takes time to answer questions and explain procedures can make visits much more comfortable and less intimidating.
A great dentist understands that many of us feel anxious about dental work, so options like dental sedation and gentle techniques should be routinely offered. Others focus on a calm approach, talking patients through each step to ease nerves.
Modern technology and amenities in the office are a good sign that you will have the best quality care. Things like digital X-rays instead of antiquated X-ray film, for example, show that the office has invested in technology that is better for you.
A key difference at Bayway Dental Hear from our patient, Dorothy, who was terrified of the dentist, and share her experience overcoming her dental phobia. We routinely administer all forms of dental sedation (oral conscious sedation and IV sedation). We help patients like Dorothy overcome their dental fears and get the treatment they need every day:
Checklist for Choosing a Dentist
There’s no way around it: finding the right dentist takes time. Here’s a summary of our checklist to help you choose the best dentist for you:
1. Doctor Experience & Qualifications
- Board License
- Professional Memberships
- Continuing Education
2. Scope of Dental Services Provided
- General Care (cleanings, fillings, exams)
- Specialized Treatments (cosmetic, oral surgery, orthodontics, dental implants)
- Emergency Dentistry (tooth extractions, root canals)
3. Dental Insurance & Payment Options
- Availability of financing or payment plans
- Transparent fees
4. Practice Reputation
- Strong ratings on Google, Healthgrades or BestLocalReviews
- Positive word-of-mouth recommendations
- Thoughtful responses to patient feedback
5. Dentist Office Location & Hours:
- Convenient distance from home or work
- Easy appointment management
6. Comfort & Patient Experience
- Friendly staff and a clean, welcoming office
- Sedation Options for surgeries and longer procedures or dental anxiety
- Modern tools for the best patient experience and efficient treatment
A Decision For Your Overall Health
Choosing a dentist isn’t only about cleanings and check-ups. The right dental office makes routine visits effortless and big procedures less stressful. They don’t just work on teeth—they help people stay confident, pain-free, and healthy long-term.
And the best way to know if a provider fits your needs? Book an appointment. A quick visit can tell you more than any website ever will.
Reach Out to Bayway Dental Today!
If you’re ready to find a dentist who puts your care first, schedule an appointment. Bayway Dental is committed to providing a VIP dental care experience to our patients in St. Petersburg and beyond.
