It’s time to call the dentist’s office to book an appointment but perhaps you don’t have a dentist yet. Are you looking around the city to find a great fit for your oral health? Here are some qualities that make up a great dentist and will help you with your search.
“What was that?” You don’t want your dentist to say these words to you but rather want to make sure they are listening. You might have a concern about your teeth that you need to inform your dentist of, a medical condition that needs to be expressed so the procedure is adjusted to suit your situation, or maybe you are in the dental chair and need to take a break from your treatment. All these things require a good listener which a dentist needs to be.
When looking for a dentist, make sure you believe him/her. Being trustworthy is essential in the world of dentistry. You want a dentist to tell you the truth about your oral health instead of just pushing you into treatments you don’t really need, just to increase the bill. Find a dentist you can rely on to provide accurate information about your dental present and future.
This goes without saying but your dentist should be extremely knowledgeable in all areas of dentistry. A dentist can only work on your teeth if they have the proper educational requirements for their region and the skills to perform the treatments you need. Check with the dentist during a consultation to make sure he/she has the necessary training for the work you need inside your mouth.
“Late, again!” This is not something you should deal with. A dental appointment needs to be kept within the time frame that was given to you over the phone. Yes, dentists get busy and circumstances come up, which is fair but, for the most part, your dentist should be on time for your appointment. You have a busy life and need to ensure your visit to the dentist for a simple procedure does not take away from the rest of your day.
If your dentist keeps a clean office, this is probably a reflection of how clean they are during treatment. You want to ensure your safety when at the dentist. Make a point to note if your dentist washes his/her hands after every patient. Gloves should always be used, then discarded, and all tools should be sanitized before work is performed on your oral cavity. A clean dentist means you will stay healthy.
There you have it, these are keys points to look for when searching for a dentist. Ring, Ring – “Do you fit my dentist's requirements? Perfect, I’ll book an appointment!”
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on November 8, 2019
