When it comes to oral care, it’s always best to see the same dentist all throughout. You’ll build a relationship, and that dentist will be familiar with all your unique needs, such as anxieties, allergies, and the like. Aside from that, you’ll have a history together, which is the basis of all successful best dentist-patient relationships.
Question is, how do you find the right dentist for you?
Seek referrals.
If you’re moving to a new area, it’s always good to ask your current dentist if they can refer you to someone. But it shouldn’t stop there. Ask your family doctor or neighborhood pharmacist for more referrals. Make use of your social network. If you still don’t know a lot of people in your new place, search online but be sure to double-check your details.
Assess logistics.
Before making an appointment with that dazzling new dentist, consider the accessibility of their office with respect to your home or workplace. Will parking or public transportation be an issue? What are their working hours? Will they be available on weekends or evenings? What are their policies on emergencies? How much do they usually charge and do they offer payment schemes for patients with no insurance?
Check customer service.
This can be as simple as calling the office and seeing how you get treated. Ask any questions that may be floating in your head. You want to know how they are towards their patients or potential patients. Are they friendly and helpful? If you they put you on hold for too long, or if they were rude to you or you weren’t happy with how they answered your questions, look elsewhere.
Visit the dentist.
There’s no substitute for actually visiting the dentist’s office and seeing for yourself what’s going on there. Is the place clean and in order? Are the employees courteous? What’s total vibe do you get while you’re in the office? Happy? Not really?
Talk to the dentist.
On your first visit, ask the dentist regarding their approach to treatment. Are you satisfied with how they discuss things with you? Is prevention part of their oral care plan? Dentists have different perspectives on the importance of such things as cosmetic dentistry or the need for x-rays. The idea is to have a good idea of what you want for yourself and find a dentist who melds well with that. You need to have a clear idea about what you want or need for yourself and then look for a dentist who fits like a glove. Of course, we’re not just talking about technical expertise. You want someone with whom you can connect well.