Finding a good dentist, like any other expert of his field, can be a bothersome and lengthy task. The following criteria, in accordance with the American Dental Association, will help you understand what to look for to find a good dentist of your choice.
Accessibility: You should first know how accessible the dentist is: Is his or her office near your home or job? Is it easy to get the appointment times you need? Find out how long it takes to get to the dentist’s office from your home. If you require frequent visits, or foresee an emergency, a close location could be important.
Cleanliness and hygiene of the clinic / office: It is always a good idea to do a little survey of your dentist’s office to make sure it is neat, clean and well-kept. Your dentist should wear gloves, mask and gown. Ask him or her about instrument sterilization procedures.
Emergency availability: You should also find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care. For example, if you have a tooth knocked out on a weekend night, will he or she be available to deal with your emergency?
Expertise & qualifications: While now considered traditional, one of the time-tested methods of knowing more about the dentist is to ask how long he or she has been practicing and what sorts of continuing education he or she has pursued to keep up with new developments in dentistry.
Communication: Just as the two-way communication between you and your dentist is very crucial, you should also look for pleasant, respectful interactions between the dentist and his / her staff. A patient-friendly, polite and good communicator dentist will certainly make your dental experience easier, safer and pain-free.
Economy and cost-effectiveness: As some of the dental procedures and costs are not covered by insurance planes, it is good to choose a dentist whose services are affordable and economical. However, you should also remember that costs should never compromise the quality of your dental care.
Based on the above points and criteria, it is evident that it is important for you and your family to choose a good dentist for the sake of your oral health. Like other doctors, dentists have their own attitudes and beliefs about health care, medical services and cosmetic services, so it’s important to find a dentist who shares your beliefs on such topics.
