There are many factors to consider when choosing the right dentist for you and your family. The right dental care provider can make all the difference in maintaining your teeth and gums, and avoiding regular dental visits, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Finding a reliable dentist is incredibly important. Think about these criteria while you find a dental professional.
1) Does your dentist actively listen?
When providing dental care, it is important for the dentist to be actively listening to the patient. One of the most important aspects of dentistry is active listening. By paying close attention to their patients, dentists can gain a better understanding of their needs and provide the best possible care. Patients also appreciate when their dentist takes the time to listen to them attentively. It helps build trust and establishes a positive relationship. Asking questions, and listening to you is a sign that your dentist cares about you.
2) A good dentist educates on good oral hygiene
A good dentist educates their patients on how to maintain oral health and prevent cavities. They also provide instruction on how to use dental floss and mouthwash, and how to properly brush teeth. Good dentists also recommend visiting the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. They explain the different procedures that may need to be performed, and answer any questions that the patient may have. By educating their patients, a good dentist helps them to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
3) A great dentist respects their patient’s time and resources
A great dentist understands that their patients have busy lives and respects the time they have set aside for their appointment. A great dentist is also mindful of the resources their patients have and strives to be as efficient as possible with their time in the office. This means being conscious of the amount of time each procedure takes and not running behind schedule. Ultimately, a great dentist puts the needs of their patients first and makes sure that they have a positive experience at the dentist office.
4) A clean and comfortable setting
A clean and comfortable dental clinic would be one in which the patient feels at ease and the environment is sanitary. The clinic would have up-to-date equipment and a staff that is knowledgeable and friendly. Patients would feel confident that they are in good hands at a clean and comfortable dental clinic.
5) Avoids upselling
Dentists should not try to convince patients to get more procedures or services than they need. Upselling can be harmful to patients because it can lead to them receiving unnecessary treatments and spending more money than they need to. It can also be harmful to dentists because it can make them look like they are trying to take advantage of patients.
6) Gets to understand your needs
A good dentist gets to understand your needs. They take the time to ask questions and figure out what you are looking for in terms of dental care. They also provide you with information on the treatments they are recommending, so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
7) Follows up with you
A good dentist will follow up with you after your appointment to ensure that you are feeling better and that everything is healing properly. If you have any questions or concerns, they will be happy to address them with you. They will also keep track of your dental history and make sure that any necessary treatments are scheduled.
8) Has a good rapport with the staff
A good dentist has a good rapport with the staff. This means that they are able to get along well and communicate effectively with the people who work in the office. This is important because it ensures that everyone is on the same page and working together towards the common goal of providing good care for the patients. A good dentist understands that the staff is an important part of the team and values their contributions.
9) Post procedure follow-ups
When a patient goes in for a dental procedure, the dentist will typically follow up after the procedure is done in order to ensure that everything went smoothly and that the patient is healing properly. This follow-up may involve checking the patient’s vitals, asking about their experience during and after the procedure, and providing instructions for post-procedure care.
10) They’ll ask for your records
The dentist will ask for your records in order to get a full understanding of your oral health and to provide you with the best possible dental care. The records may include information on your past dental history, current oral health, and any treatments or procedures you have had done.
11) Modern equipment being used
Check if the dental clinic has all the latest equipment, which is important for providing high-quality care to patients. If the clinic has a new X-ray machine, which can take digital images of teeth and gums. This machine is much more accurate than older models, and it helps the dentist to diagnose problems quickly and accurately. Check if the clinic also has a new chairside computer, which allows the dentist to record patient information and treatment plans directly into the computer. Dental technology is continually changing, so a good dentist will stay apprised and use the best equipment available.
12) Your dentist maintains a sterile environment
A sterile environment is an important part of dentistry as it helps to prevent the spread of infection. All surfaces in the dental office should be clean and disinfected, and all equipment should be sterilized between patients. Check if your dentist take measures to ensure that the environment remains sterile and free of contaminants.
13) A great reputation
When selecting a dentist, it is important to check their reputation. One way to do this is to look for reviews online. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. It is important to make sure that the dentist you select has a good reputation for providing quality care.
14) Will suggest oral cancer screenings
It is prudent for a dentist to suggest oral cancer screenings to their patients. Oral cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, but it can be deadly if not caught early. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all adults be screened for oral cancer at least once per year. The screening process typically involves a visual examination of the mouth and throat, as well as a dental exam.
15) Can provide references
Check if your dentists can provide references and you may want to ask them for a list of their previous clients. You can then reach out to these clients and ask them about their experience working with the dentist. If the dentist has a good reputation, then their previous clients are likely to give them positive reviews.
16) Good standing in Dental Association
The dentist should have good standing in the Dental Association because it shows that they are a credible and qualified professional. Being a member of the Dental Association also allows the dentist to stay up-to-date on the latest dental procedures and technologies. Additionally, the Dental Association sets ethical standards for its members, so patients can be assured that they are in good hands.
17) They offer comprehensive services
The phrase “comprehensive services” typically refers to a wide range of services that a dentist should offer their patients. This can include services such as preventive care, dental exams, X-rays, fillings, root canals, and more. By providing comprehensive services, dentists can ensure that their patients have access to all the care they need in one place. This can be convenient for patients and can help to keep their dental care costs down.
18) They offer emergency dental care
A good dentist should always be available to provide emergency dental care when necessary. This may include providing care for a toothache, broken tooth, or other dental emergency. By being available to provide emergency care, a dentist can help ensure that patients receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
19) They offer affordable cash payment options
If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover dental services, many dentists offer a variety of affordable cash payment options. Many dentists also offer flexible payment plans that can be tailored to meet your needs. Please check if your dentist offers such payment options.
20) They’re conveniently located near you
The dentists near you are likely to be more convenient for you to visit than those further away. This is because they are located closer to where you live, and so you can save time travelling to and from the dentist. Additionally, these dentists are likely to have more availability for appointments, as they will not be as busy as those further away.
