Whether you’ve relocated to a new area or your long-term dentist has just retired, finding a new dentist can be a challenging prospect.
Dentists play a close and personal role in your health, so it’s important to find a professional you’re comfortable with. And because the dental sector is continually changing, you’re going to want to identify a dentist who stays abreast of developments.
This is why it’s essential to do your research before committing to a new dentist. Don’t jump in the chair before gettings these five questions answered.
What is the dentist’s background?
This is easily the most critical question on the list, as it contributes directly to the quality of care you will receive. Take the time to find out where the dentist has studied, how long they have been in practice (both at their present position and in general), if they hold any formal qualifications, whether they are engaging in further education;
If they have fields of specialisation outside general dentistry, what kind of equipment they use, and the like. Don’t ever be shy of asking for more information, the right dental surgery would be more than happy to answer all your questions.
At Oradent Dental Care, each of our dentists practices a strong commitment to ongoing education. You can find out more about our dentists by clicking the ‘Team’ tab on the menu above.
Can the dentist accommodate your personal needs?
Not all dentists are made equal—and the same can be said about patients. If you have children, dental fear, are interested in cosmetic treatments, or serious health conditions that may influence your dental procedures (such as diabetes or HIV), it is necessary to find a dentist who can meet these needs. Don’t be afraid to ask straightforward questions to make sure they’re suitable for you.
At Oradent Dental Care, we are committed to treating our patients as individuals, not figures. We are keen on getting to know our patients on a personal level so that we can recognize and adapt to their particular health needs.
Does the dentist receive positive recommendations?
Check with your colleagues, family members, peers, and friends to see if they can recommend a good dentist in the area. Next, you can consult online reviews of the dentist and the dental practice. (For example, the Patient Reviews section of our website is dedicated to patient reviews.).
Listen to what people have to say on both regular dental treatment and more complex procedures to ensure that the practice delivers top-notch services across the board. It’s also a smart idea to double-check with the General Dental Council to make sure the dentist is in good standing.
What is the quality of their customer service?
This is critical because it defines the nature of the communication you will receive regarding your treatment. Contact or stop by the practice to decide if the staff is welcoming, helpful and able to answer your questions in a straightforward and polite manner. This is yet another field that testimonials can help decide whether or not the staff are easy to deal with.
At Oradent Dental Care, we take pride in our customer service. Our professional and caring staff routinely go above and beyond patients’ expectations in providing quality service online, in person, and over the phone.
Are the dentist’s location and hours convenient for your schedule?
You can find the best dentist in the country, but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t keep your appointments going. It’s a smart idea to ensure that you’re going to be able to reach the practice reasonably quickly and that you can make appointments at times that fit with your schedule. While you’re at it, study the practice’s guidelines on arranging visits, treating missed appointments, and providing emergency care.
All Oradent Dental Care Practices are in convenient, city-centre locations, with great access routes and parking available. Also, our opening hours are flexible with weekend and evening appointments available for our patients.
If you’ve answered each of these questions, and everything is looking out, it’s time for a trial run. Ask to visit the practice for a consultation, and once you are there, pay particular attention to the quality of the care you get, if you feel relaxed asking questions, and that the dentist is effectively addressing your questions or concerns. If you feel positive after doing your research and seeing the dentist in person, it’s a good indication that you’ve found a perfect match.
Looking for a new dentist near you? Look no further, Oradent Dental Care provides the highest level of care and customer service. Our Dentists and Practice staff are more than happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have. Contact us today for any dental needs you might have.
