How To Tell If The Dentist You’re Visiting Is A Quality Dentist
Since visiting the dental office is already an anxiety-ridden task, having an uncompromising dentist should be the least of your worries. When it comes to basic healthcare, we tend to seek out what’s best for us and our families. The same goes for dental care. Nobody would want to get stuck in a situation where they’re constantly worried about the quality of their treatment.
We’re going to go ahead, break the ice, and say that no dentist is perfect. However, a good dental setting strives to constantly be a better version of themselves. There are a couple of categories that highlight how good a dentist is. Prioritize what is important to you and land on a dentist that checks all your boxes.
Signs Of A Quality Dentist
- The first line of a dental office’s impression starts when you pick up the phone to call and set the appointment. Does the receptionist listen to you and schedule your appointment based on your convenience? Are they kind and open to answering any questions you might have? The staff at a dental office speaks volumes about the dentist and their practice.
- When you get to the establishment for your appointment, are you made to feel welcome? Does the staff take the time to familiarize you with the setting and are they friendly? If they hand over a clipboard to fill out your information without saying a word, you might want to duck. Moreover, observe the space around you – is it clean? Are things in order? A place that looks like no-one pays attention to is probably the last place you’d want to be.
- Also, note what the wait time is like at the office. Of course, we won’t recommend that you base your decision on the wait time since unavoidable delays are bound to occur. But it’s still something to look out for.
- When you meet the dentist, note their demeanor. Are they friendly? Are they welcoming? Do they take the time to get to know you? A quality dentist knows that the relationship they share with their patient is bound to be a long-term one. So they’ll try their best to familiarize themselves with you. And with subsequent visits, you’ll get an idea of whether they’re good listeners or not.
- Does the dentist take the time to listen to your issues and observe the areas of concern? A good dentist will want to work with you to alleviate anything that causes discomfort, including any dental anxiety you might be feeling.
- Find out what the degrees the dentist holds and ask them about their expertise and skill level. A good dentist doesn’t refuse to answer these questions because they understand the importance.
- You didn’t go to dental school. So you depend on your practitioner to educate you about good oral health, practices, and possible treatment options. A quality dentist will be more than happy to educate you about your oral health along with going over the steps of any procedure you’re advised.
- A true professional respects your resources and more importantly, your time. They will try their best to avoid any delays with your appointments and advise treatments that work within your budget. Furthermore, their staff will work with you in scheduling future appointments before-hand so you can prepare for the same.
- The American Dental Association advises that when you’re out dentist-shopping, take a good look at their offices. They should appear to be “neat, clean, and orderly” and the instruments should be sterilized. If none of these boxes check out, you’re much safer elsewhere.
- A quality dentist does not focus on upselling treatments that you do not require. They will also not be money-hungry and will help you figure out what treatments or products your insurance will partially or fully cover. Alternatively, they will offer in-house insurances and payment plans to make your procedure seamless.
- Skilled dentists will always ensure that your procedures are painless and that you are comfortable for the entirety of the appointment. Additionally, hygiene and patient safety is a priority for dentists who value their patients.
- Watch how the dentist you’re visiting behaves with their staff. If you notice mutual respect and friendly conversation, you’re in good hands. You also get an idea of the dentist’s management style and whether or not they get along well with their coworkers. Because good staff prefers working with good dentists and vice versa.
- After you’ve undergone a tiresome procedure, you can feel out of sorts for a while afterward. A quality dentist will ensure to check up on you to see how well you’re recovering. It also assures them that there aren’t complications. This reflects on their professionalism and concern for their patient’s well-being.
- And lastly, a great dental office will have a reputation to match. Any complaints that do arise with the office are taken care of courteously and professionally.
How Do I Find A Quality Dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends that you look around before finalizing on a dentist. Since this relationship is meant to be long-term, it is imperative that you feel comfortable before, during, and after you visit the dentist’s establishment.
Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to recommend a dentist. They will list out whoever they’ve had a positive experience with, making your job much easier. Additionally, look up online to see which dental offices are in your vicinity. Since in an ideal situation, the trip to and from the dentist shouldn’t be exhausting. Online websites also have patient testimonials, so you can read up on other people’s experiences and come to a conclusion.
Local chemists and general practitioners can also point you in the direction of a good dentist they might know of. So it’s always best to ask around and subsequently visit the recommended offices to see if the dentist is the right fit for you. Of course, along with the dentist in question, also observe the staff and space – as these are also key things to look out for. If even a single aspect makes you uncomfortable, look around some more.
At Norwood Dental we are all committed to the highest form of patient care. And we would be honored if you allowed us to take care of you and your family’s oral health. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and drop by – we’ll be expecting you!