(410) 939-5800
Choosing a Dentist You Can Trust for the Long Haul Isn’t a Coin Flip
Type “best dentist in Havre de Grace” into Google and you’ll get a wall of maps, ads, star ratings, and directory pages that list every office in the area. Nearly all of them promise friendly, gentle care, and it’s hard to tell from the outside which ones deliver.
At Family Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry, Dr. Richard Grubb returned to his hometown after a residency at Sinai Hospital and has practiced for more than 35 years. As a trusted Havre de Grace dentist, he has cared for patients from Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, Perryville, and Bel Air. Here are the questions he’d like every patient to ask, whether they end up in his chair or someone else’s.
If you’re ready to meet a dentist who will take the time to explain your options, call us today at (410) 939-5800 to schedule your visit.
7 Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Dentist
1. Who Will Actually Be My Dentist, and How Long Have They Been Practicing?
Experience matters most when something unexpected comes up. Ask how long the dentist has been in practice and whether you’ll see the same person each time.
Dr. Grubb graduated at the top of his class from the University of Maryland’s Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1975, then returned to his hometown of Havre de Grace and has been practicing for more than 35 years.
2. What Advanced Training and Credentials Do They Have?
Every dentist in Maryland is licensed, so a license alone doesn’t set one office apart. Look for board certification, advanced training, and ongoing continuing education. Dr. Grubb attends continuing education courses to stay current and holds these credentials:
- Fellow and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry
- Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology
- Past President of the Maryland State Dental Association
- Credentialed sedation member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
- Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Board certification from the American Board of Oral Implantology requires passing written and oral exams and presenting documented implant cases, and relatively few dentists hold it.
3. Can One Office Handle Most of My Dental Needs?
Bouncing between offices for every problem is a hassle and can make your care less coordinated. Dr. Grubb’s practice offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry under one roof, including crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers.
If you’re missing a tooth, ask about every replacement option, not just one. Dr. Grubb offers dental implants as well as bridges, and he can explain how they compare for your situation.
4. What if I’m Nervous About the Dentist?
Many people put off care because of fear, and that usually makes the eventual problem bigger. Ask what comfort options the office offers and whether the staff will discuss them openly.
Dr. Grubb completed advanced hospital training in anesthesia and is a credentialed sedation member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. We offer sedation dentistry for patients who need a little help relaxing.
5. What Happens if I Have a Dental Emergency?
Toothaches and broken teeth don’t wait for a convenient time, so find out how an office handles urgent cases before you need one. We offer same-day emergency dental appointments, and you can reach us outside our regular hours at (410) 939-5800 for emergencies that can’t wait.
6. What Do Patients Say Beyond the Star Rating?
Star ratings are a start, but the most useful reviews describe what actually happened: Did the staff explain things? Did anyone follow up? Read more on our testimonials page.
7. Is it Convenient, and How Will I Pay?
The best dentist on paper doesn’t help if you can’t get to appointments or afford the care.
- Location: 203 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, with free street parking right in front of the building and often on the adjacent side streets.
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for hygiene appointments only.
- Payment: We accept most major insurance companies and work with you and your provider to help you get the maximum benefits. We also offer CareCredit, LendingClub, and Cherry financing. See our insurance and payment options.
General Dentist, Implant Specialist, or Larger Group Practice: Which Should You Choose?
Patients in Harford County usually have three kinds of options.
- A general dentist with advanced training, like Dr. Grubb, handles everything from cleanings to crowns to tooth replacement in one office and stays your dentist afterward. This is often the most seamless path when you need more than one kind of care.
- A specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, focuses on one area and is a strong choice for complex cases. Your general dentist will often coordinate with them.
- A larger group practice may offer extended hours and many providers, though you may not see the same dentist at each visit.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Choosing a Dentist
If an office does any of the following, you may want to keep looking:
- Recommends treatment without a thorough exam or a clear explanation.
- Pressures you to decide on the spot, or offers a discount that expires when you leave.
- Offers only one solution, no matter what your situation is.
- Can’t tell you who handles follow-up care or emergencies.
- Has reviews that are all star ratings with no detail about the actual care.
What a Good First Dental Visit Looks Like
A good first visit starts with listening: what’s bothering you, what you’d like to change, and anything that makes you nervous. Our patients often tell us that our team explains each step of the process and keeps their comfort in mind, and that’s how we want every visit to feel. If you’re new to our office, our new patient information page explains what to expect and what to bring.
Ask Us Anything About Dental Care in Havre de Grace
Bring this list to any consultation. Better yet, bring it to ours. Call our Havre de Grace dental office at (410) 939-5800 today to schedule your visit with Dr. Richard Grubb or Dr. Noor Giad. Proudly serving Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, Perryville, Bel Air, and surrounding communities, we’re ready to help you smile with confidence.
Your Dentistry Questions, Answered
Dental Services | Dental Implants | Sedation Dentistry | Emergency Dental Care | New Patients