How to choose the right dentist for you

11 Questions to help you make the right decision

When you’re looking for a new dentist, you’re hopefully searching for more than someone to just clean your teeth. Optimal oral health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing and your dentist plays an integral role in helping you to achieve this.

So, if you have moved and are looking for a new dentist, don't have one currently or just want to try out a different dentist, see below some important questions to ask when choosing the right dentist for you.

11 Questions to help choose the right dentist:

1. Are they convenient and accessible?

Regular visits are key to a healthy smile, so start with the basics and what best suits your lifestyle and dental care needs.

Is the practice easy to get to from your home or job?
Do they have convenient opening hours?
Do they offer weekend and evening appointments?
Do they have an online booking system?

2. Are they taking new patients?

This will help refine your search from the get go, enquire as to whether the dentists are taking new patients and when they have availabilities open.

3. Will they treat emergencies?

If an emergency does occur you will require treatment quickly as this can result in saving a tooth or preventing permanent damage. Not all dental practices offer this service so be sure to enquire accordingly.

4. Are they an independent dentist?

Independent dentists are free from external influences and can ensure you as a patient receive the most appropriate treatment options and ongoing care for your dental health.

Find out more about why you should choose an independent dentist here

5. Do they use up-to-date technology and equipment?

Over the last 25 years, dentistry has seen an explosion of digital technologies that dramatically improve quality of care. This is especially significant for dental x-rays, which are crucial for detecting major oral health issues.

6. What ongoing education and training does the team undergo?

Continual advances in clinical and administrative technology mean dentists and their staff need to regularly update their skills to meet the needs and expectations of the industry and their patients.

When choosing the right dentist for you it is important to consider their qualifications and credentials. This can help you to determine whether the dentist has the necessary skills, experience and training to provide reliable oral healthcare.

7. Are they professional, friendly and caring?

A visit to the dentist is not high on most people’s list of favourite things to do. While you can’t necessarily determine the treatment you’ll need in advance, you can determine the quality of the experience by choosing a dental practice offering an easy appointment process, pleasant interaction and a streamlined billing process etc.

Is the enquiry process easy and streamlined?
How quickly and effectively does the team respond?
Do they make me feel comfortable and at ease?

8. Are they genuinely interested in my health and my experience?

Your oral health directly correlates with your overall health, achieving healthy teeth and gums for life is a long- term goal that is essential for optimal health and wellbeing.

Are they concerned about my general health situation?
Do they thoroughly check for gum disease and decay?

9. Are they transparent and open about cost?

Being suitably informed and updated on what costs to expect is important for most people when selecting a health care provider of choice. No one likes unexpected surprises!

10.Will they help me to keep on top of my oral health?

Keeping on top of dental check- ups can be a challenge, a good dental practice and dentist will help you to do this effectively.

Does the practice and dentist remind me of check-ups?
Will I receive relevant oral health care updates?
Does the practice have useful communication channels I can access and utilise i.e. website, Facebook?

10. Will they help me to keep on top of my oral health?

Keeping on top of dental check- ups can be a challenge, a good dental practice and dentist will help you to do this effectively.

Does the practice and dentist remind me of check-ups?
Will I receive relevant oral health care updates?
Does the practice have useful communication channels I can access and utilise i.e. website, Facebook?

11. How long will I have to wait?

Emergencies do happen and can at times throw the dentists schedule off for the day. It is important when considering your dentist of choice to factor in expected waiting times. You can usually call in advance to find out if the dentist is running to time.

Red flags to watch out for:

A dentist that doesn't seem to be listening to you
Feeling rushed during your consultation
Lengthy waiting times on a regular basis

Ask others for recommendations!

There is nothing more trusted than word of mouth referrals. Ask family, friends, neighbours or colleagues what they like about their dentist and where they go for dental care, or ask your physician for a referral.

You may not look forward to going to the dentist, but these questions can help you to choose the right dentist for you and build the foundations for a long- term trusted relationship.

If you have any queries or concerns, the team at Carlton Dental are here to help and are happy to answer all questions no matter how big or small. Call us today (03) 9347-2033.

http://www.carltondental.com.au