Selecting the right dentist is more than finding a provider for cleanings and checkups. It’s about building a long-term relationship with a dental health provider whose care you can feel confident under.
Whether you’re new to Fairfax County, your previous provider retired, or you’re simply ready for a change, finding the best dentist in Reston, Virginia can make all the difference in your overall health and happiness.
Below, we’ve outlined a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your search and find a trusted provider who delivers outstanding care tailored to your needs.
This is a personal decision, and not one to make lightly. Here are five steps to take for success!
Step 1: Start Your Search With Recommendations
The first step is gathering names of prospective providers.
Talk to friends and family, coworkers, neighbors, and other people you trust, especially those who’ve lived in the area for a while.
Referrals are often the most reliable sources in your search for an outstanding provider.
If you have dental insurance, call them and ask for a list of top in-network dentists nearby. Not only will this narrow your search, but it’ll also help you avoid unexpected costs.
Ask other medical professionals you trust, too. Physicians, pharmacists, and even physical therapists often have great insight into which dentists in your area are known for excellence.
And don’t overlook online community groups, especially those focused on Reston or Fairfax County. Local forums and social media groups are great for honest, detailed feedback.
Step 2: Taper Down Your List to the Top 2 or 3 to Find the Best Dentist in Reston, Virginia
Now that you’ve collected some names, it’s time to narrow the list.
Look at online reviews and ratings, focusing on repeated praise for things like professionalism, comfort, and quality outcomes.
Check for credentials like board certification and membership with the American Dental Association, and confirm that the dentist is experienced with both general and cosmetic treatments.
Look at the office location, parking availability, and hours because little conveniences like these are important!
And finally, if you have insurance, verify the provider is in network.
Step 3: Book Consultations
Once you’ve narrowed it down, it’s time to schedule a consultation with each of the top prospects on your list.
This is your opportunity to visit the office, meet the team, and see how comfortable you feel.
Here’s what to look for during your consult:
- Friendly, helpful, and respectful staff
- A clean, modern, and well-organized office
- Up-to-date technology, like digital X-rays and same-day crown machines
- A dentist who listens, explains treatment options clearly, and is never dismissive
- Strict hygiene and safety protocols, including gloves, masks, and sterilization
Come prepared with a list of questions to ask to help you get to know more about the provider and the practice overall.
Here are 20 to consider, though you should modify this list based on your unique needs and concerns:
- What insurance plans do you accept?
- What happens if I’m late or miss an appointment?
- How do you handle dental emergencies (both during and after normal business hours)?
- Do you have a new patient special for cleanings and X-rays?
- What general services do you offer?
- Do you offer cosmetic treatments, and if so which ones?
- What’s the current condition of my oral health?
- How often should I get a cleaning or checkup?
- What are my options if I need a filling, crown, or other treatment?
- Do you treat patients with dental anxiety?
- How long have you been practicing in Reston?
- Do you offer same-day services for crowns or restorations?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos of your patients?
- Do you use sedation dentistry for nervous patients?
- What financing options do you offer for patients without insurance?
- Is your technology state of the art?
- Do you treat children and adults?
- How do you help patients prevent future problems?
- Will I see the same dentist every time?
- How do you ensure patient comfort during longer procedures?
Step 4: Compare Costs
Pricing can be a big factor in your decision. This is especially crucial if you’re paying out of pocket because you don’t have insurance and / or if you have a tight budget.
During your consultations at the offices you’re considering, ask for general cost ranges for common services like cleanings, exams, fillings, and crowns
If there are any treatments you know or suspect you’ll need, be sure to include those as well.
If a dentist offers in-house financing or partners with third-party lenders like CareCredit, that’s a major plus.
Also, be sure to ask about discounts for new patients, families, or cash payments.
Don’t just go with the cheapest option.
Focus on value. The top provider will give you great service and help you prevent costly dental work in the future.
Step 5: Make a Confident, Informed Choice
Now that you’ve visited your top contenders, asked the right questions, and compared your options, trust your instincts and choose the provider you think is the best one for you.
You should feel confident, heard, and cared for.
If a provider checks all your boxes — experience, communication, cleanliness, availability, services, and cost — it’s time to schedule your first official appointment and get on track for a lifetime of great dental care and excellent oral health.
Continuing your dental journey with a provider you trust isn’t just good for your oral health. It can completely change how you feel about going to the dentist.
One of the most important parts of choosing the best dentist in Reston, Virginia is knowing that your experience will be comfortable and your concerns will be taken seriously.
This way, you’ll leave each visit feeling better than when you arrived.
See for Yourself Why Reston Chooses Perfect Smiles of Reston for Outstanding Dental Care
If you’re ready to show off your smile proudly, call our team at 703-982-7355 today to book your visit!
Perfect Smiles of Reston has been a trusted name in the community for over 18 years.
Led by Dr. Aramesh Darvishian, a compassionate and highly skilled dentist known for her personalized care, our office offers everything from routine checkups to advanced cosmetic procedures all under one roof.
What sets us apart? For starters, we use the latest in dental technology, including CEREC for same-day crowns, digital imaging, and modern sterilization protocols.
Our practice also features Invisalign for discreet teeth straightening and dental implants that look and feel like natural teeth.
Dr. Darvishian takes time with every patient to ensure your treatment plan is unique, just like your smile. She doesn’t rush. She listens. She cares.
Patients love the way she makes even the most anxious visitors feel calm and in control of their experience and their oral health.
Whether you’re here for a cleaning, a smile makeover with veneers and whitening, or a dental emergency that can’t wait, we’ve got you covered.
Our office also offers flexible appointment times, a friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated team that treats you like family.
At Perfect Smiles of Reston, we believe dentistry should be comfortable, customized, and results-driven — and we’re ready to show you just how great your experience can be!
Call us at 703-982-7355 and let us help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve. For only $99, you’ll receive our new patient special that includes a cleaning, exam, oral screening, and X-rays!
