-Jin-DDS-83571-circle_medium.png)
Average time it takes to be seen by a provider
Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating
In the business of finding quality care for patients
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Dentist in San Mateo, book an appointment, and see the Dentist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Dentists in San Mateo who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a San Mateo Dentist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Dentists in San Mateo and book appointments instantly. You can search for San Mateo Dentists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for San Mateo Dentists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Dentists in San Mateo who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for San Mateo Dentists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Dentists in San Mateo who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Dentists in San Mateo on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Dentists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Dentists in San Mateo who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Dentist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Dentists in San Mateo. Many Dentists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
A healthy mouth is very beneficial. In addition to being essential for speaking and biting, teeth are critical for digestion and general health. A radiant smile can increase self-esteem and have a favorable impact on one's relationships, work, and social life. Research says that a cheerful laugh can also improve mood.
Dental care and hygiene are critical to maintaining a healthy mouth, beautiful smile, and overall well-being. Unhealthy habits and poor dental care can cause oral diseases and conditions. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, using an antimicrobial mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and having regular dental care check-ups can help reduce the risk of oral problems and prevent diseases. Zocdoc can help you find a dentist near you who can assist you with all your dental needs.
Dentists are doctors who provide services to ensure good oral health. They specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases and conditions. Dentists also educate patients on maintaining oral hygiene and wellness and avoiding future infections. They perform complex dental procedures and surgeries to treat certain oral conditions.
Dentists in the U.S. must complete a bachelor's degree in health, biology, chemistry, or math before entering dental school. They must also pass a competitive examination to get admission. Here, they train in clinical practice and gain experience with real-life patients. They can also get certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Additionally, dentists can complete a postgraduate residency in a dental subspecialty. This training usually lasts one to three years.
Dentists can specialize in one or many different specialties based on various aspects like the age group they treat, conditions, or affected areas of the dental cavity. These include:
Dentists treat a wide range of conditions. Some of these commonly known conditions are:
Proper oral hygiene is vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it's essential to have a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist bi-annually. During these routine visits, your dentist will also check for any signs of gum disease, infections, or other dental problems and recommend the proper treatments.
Professional cleanings can eliminate any plaque or tartar accumulation you may have missed while brushing and flossing daily. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) eliminates tartar from above and below the gum line, which regular cleaning may miss. After a cleaning, dentists may apply fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resilient to bacteria and acid. Dentists may prescribe antibiotics to remove the infection in cases of gum infection or tooth abscess.
Other common dental treatments include fillings, crowns, and sealants. Dentists use fillings to repair cavities or holes in teeth, while they place crowns to replace a large portion of a tooth by fitting them over an implant or a natural tooth. Dental sealants are thin coatings placed on the back teeth to prevent cavities.
If tooth decay gets to the nerve inside your tooth, you may need a root canal treatment. During this procedure, the dentist removes the nerve and inserts a filling made of biocompatible materials.
Probiotics have been shown to have some benefits for oral health, such as preventing plaque, treating bad breath, and decreasing inflammation from gum disease. Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso contain beneficial bacteria that can help improve oral health.
Finally, it's essential to make daily oral hygiene a habit. A dental hygienist can teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend mouthwash and oral rinses, and suggest tools like a water flosser to maintain oral health and cleanliness.
Advanced technologies like teledentistry, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing are revolutionizing how dentists provide oral care. Progress in dentistry has led to better patient care and treatment methods. Some of the noteworthy developments include:
Maintaining good tooth health requires more than routine brushing and flossing—it also includes making informed dietary choices before visiting the dentist. Understanding when and what to eat before your dental appointment ensures a smooth experience and prevents complications. Here's what you need to know about eating before seeing your dentist:
When you can eat before a dental appointment
You can eat before your dental visit, especially if it involves a routine check-up or cleaning. If you brush and floss afterward, you can follow your usual diet. Cleaning your teeth after eating removes food particles stuck between them, making it easier for your dentist to examine and treat your teeth effectively.
Foods to avoid before visiting the dentist
While eating before your appointment is generally acceptable, certain foods can negatively impact oral health. Avoid the following foods on the day of your visit:
Consuming these foods can lead to plaque buildup, gum irritation, tooth discoloration, and heightened sensitivity. Avoiding them ensures a smoother dental check-up and helps your dentist provide the best care.
When you should avoid eating before a dental appointment
Some individuals must refrain from eating before their appointment, particularly if undergoing dental surgery, anesthesia, or blood tests. Here's why:
If unsure whether you should fast before your appointment, consult your dentist. They will provide the necessary guidelines to follow before your visit.
Regular dental check-ups are critical for good oral health and to prevent diseases and conditions. Identifying and treating existing oral problems and diseases can help prevent potential long-term effects. Choosing the right dentist takes time and effort. Zocdoc can help you connect to highly qualified dentists in San Mateo, California. Zocdoc empowers you to make informed decisions while choosing your dental care provider. Zocdoc can give you access to a directory of highly skilled specialists who can provide the best quality care.
Zocdoc has unique features that filter specialists by location, preferred appointment date, symptoms, and procedures. The Zocdoc provider profile has information regarding the dentist's expertise, educational qualifications, clinical interests, certifications, and spoken languages. The option to filter specialists according to the insurance carrier and plan can help you select an in-network provider.
Are you unable to locate your health plan? Do not panic! You can use our insurance detector feature for help. To do so, go to account settings and upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and show your likely plan. You can add the information to the search bar and continue looking for in-network providers.
You can add all your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, you can only book an appointment with one insurance plan at a time. You can mention your secondary carrier in the notes section during the booking process. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add secondary insurance while completing the forms online. If you have any more insurance-related questions, you can also check Zocdoc's Patient Help Center.
Zocdoc has a closed-loop review system. It ensures all reviews are verified. You can read these verified patient reviews and make an informed decision. Zocdoc's goal is to make choosing your dentist smooth and hassle-free.
Zocdoc is the platform you can trust! Booking appointments with a dentist near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free!
The California Department of Public Health reports that between 2018-2019, approximately 61% of third-grade children experienced tooth decay, and 22% had untreated tooth decay. Untreated tooth decay of economically and socially disadvantaged children was around 26%, and for those falling in better financial brackets, it was 13.2%. The regional variation in children's oral health across the California Bay Area region, including San Mateo city, had the most favorable outcomes—the prevalence of tooth decay was almost 45%, untreated tooth decay was nearly 16%, and sealants were almost 45%. Zocdoc can assist you in finding a family dentist near you to ensure the sound dental health of children and other family members.
Lack of education contributes to poor health outcomes and is of specific concern to vulnerable populations. Limited oral health literacy of patients and inadequate communication with dental professionals are potential barriers to effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Access to quality dental care and services is essential to maintain optimal oral health.
A report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 stated that the U.S. had around 121,640 active dentists. California was leading with approximately 18,820 active dentists. The location quotient was 1.31, indicating that California had more dentists employed than the rest of the nation.
American Dental Education Association
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
California Department of Public Health
American Dental Association (ADA)
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.