• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

What To Look for in a Dentist

  • March 27, 2018
  • 11:55 am
  • Dental Education, FAQ
  • Dental Care, Dentist
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

Choosing a dentist is an important decision, especially if you have children. However, there are a lot of dentists out there and it can be a daunting task to find the right one. The question many people are left asking is what can they do to find the right dentist. There are a few things that you should look out for in your search, and in today’s post, Parkcrest Dental Group will look at three of those things:

  • Qualifications
  • Technology
  • Staff

Related Post: How Often Should My Child Visit The Pediatric Dentist Office?

Are They Qualified?

This is a more nuanced question than some people think. All dentists require a baseline education to even become a dentist. To become a dentist, a person has to get a bachelor’s degree before being enrolled in dental school. Even after dental school, prospective dentists have to take a national and state licensing exam.

All dentists are educated, but not all education is created equal. Pay attention to where this dentist went to school and what their degree was. Some dentists are better suited for pediatrics, while others for adult dentistry. Also look for ongoing education in dentists, as they seek to continue growing in their field.

Related Post:  Dr. Stuart Scott: What Should I Look For In A Pediatric Dentist?

Do They Have The Proper Technology?

As technology continues to expand, dentists and other medical professionals are rushing to catch up. The best technology helps provide patients with the best care and as you look for a dentist, make sure to ask about their technology capabilities. Parkcrest Dental Group, for example, has the best technology among dentists in the Springfield area and that helps us to provide our patients with the best possible care.

Related Post: Dr. Harrison: About Orthodontic Chairs

Is The Staff Invested In Their Field?

While most people will focus on the dentists themselves, it’s also important to include their staff into the mix. Finding an office that is full of people who care about their patients is crucial to finding the right dentist. A friendly staff can make all the difference in making your child’s experience pleasant or bad, while a responsive staff can make all the difference in helping you plan around your busy work schedule. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we pride ourselves on the hospitality and quality of our staff. We not only want to provide you with the best care possible. We also want you to be comfortable and taken care of.

Related Post: Dr. Steven Harrison: Continuing Education For Orthodontists

Let Parkcrest Dental Group Provide You With Dental Care

Finding a dentist is hard. There are often too many offices in the area to even know where to begin looking. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we can guarantee that you will be receiving the best care from a staff invested in your wellbeing. Contact us today at 417-887-1220 or visit our website for more information.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Man in pain holding his jaw, showing signs of a toothache or dental issue

Dental Injuries and Trauma: What to Do and Where to Go for Emergency Dental Care in Springfield, MO

May 19, 2025

Dental injuries aren’t just painful, they are typically unpredictable. One second, everything is fine. Next, you’re holding a broken tooth or trying

Female patient receiving a dental check-up with dentist using dental mirror and explorer in a modern clinic

Regular Dental Exams, The Simple Habit That Protects Your Smile for Life

May 19, 2025

At Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, MO, we believe the best dental care is personal, consistent, and stress-free. That’s why regular dental

Comprehensive Guide to Broken Tooth Repair, Relief and Prevention

April 30, 2025

A broken tooth can happen in many different ways, from weakened enamel and cavities to a fall or grinding teeth. If you

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (63)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (35)
  • Dental (19)
  • Dental Care (150)
  • Dental Education (165)
  • Dental Implants (18)
  • Dental Products (64)
  • FAQ (149)
  • Floss (12)
  • Guides (13)
  • Pediatric (63)
  • Teeth Whitening (29)
  • 540 W LaSalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl