When it comes to tooth care, it’s always best to see the same dentist regularly. You’ll establish a relationship, and that dentist will get to know all your individual needs, from anxieties to allergies. Plus you’ll have a history together. “They will be familiar with what’s gone on in your mouth,” says Dr. Bruce Ward, a dentist for over 35 years in North Vancouver. “The more work the dentist has put in, the more responsibility the dentist will have for it. If anything happens down the road, it makes a difference how it’s taken care of.”

But how do you find a dentist who’s right for you? These five steps will guide you in your search.