Dentist – Northbrook, IL

How do I find the best place to get dental work done?

Taking care of your smile is an incredibly personal endeavor, and it’s only natural to want to find the best provider to meet your needs. However, many people looking for a new dentist are unsure of what qualities to seek in a dentist to make a decision.

Before scheduling an appointment, it’s a good idea to identify the most important criteria you hope to find. For example, some patients need someone who provides specific services, like dental implants. Others need someone who’s in-network with their insurance policy. Listing the most important priorities can help narrow your search to find a dentist who meets your unique needs.

What level of education is required to become a dentist?

Are you curious about what makes your dentist qualified to care for your smile? Rest assured, all dentists in the United States must meet specific criteria to be licensed to practice. First, they must earn a bachelor’s degree before achieving either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from one of the more than 70 institutions accredited by the American Dental Association. Then, they can undergo additional training in specialty topics to become experts in certain aspects of the field of dentistry.

At our practice in Northbrook, Dr. James Woodruff earned his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School, while his son, Dr. Justin Woodruff, graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

How can I find a skilled cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t one of the twelve specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, meaning that any provider can claim to be an expert. That means you might need to look deeper to find someone with the skills to help you achieve your smile goals.

Many dentists complete additional training or certification programs in different procedures and services, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. Others participate in organizations that help them stay on top of the latest cosmetic technology and techniques. For instance, both of our Northbrook Dental Group providers are active members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

What’s the simplest way to find a dentist who provides dental implants?

Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants involve placing a titanium rod directly into your jawbone to function like a root. It’s natural to want to find a trustworthy provider with the right skills to perform your procedure and rebuild your smile.

Not all dentists possess the necessary experience or credentials to perform this procedure safely; in many cases, it requires the expertise of a specialist, such as a periodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon. Fortunately, Dr. James Woodruff has completed over 1,000 hours of continuing education and provided more than 30,000 dental surgeries, so you can feel confident in his abilities.