So you wake up one morning, realize you
need to see a dentist, and don’t know who to go to. What do you do? How do you
select a dentist. For years, patients would continue to go to the same dentist,
without giving it much thought.
Perhaps its time to start now? What should
you consider when selecting a dental practice?
Times: What time is the practice open, does
this suit your needs. Even though you may only visit twice a year, you still
want to know they available in case of emergency. Not some half day dentist who
plays golf half the week. Does the practice offer you dental finance, through a company like FHF? Most of them should.
Location: Where is the dentist situated? It
should not be far away from where you live, or else you will definitely find
excuses to cancel you appointment.
Whats the mood like? When you walk in, is
there a friendly receptionist? Not – this could be because the practice is not
busy. Why would this be? Another point to ponder…
What services are offered? Is this a drill
and fill dentist, or this is this dental practice that perform cosmetic dental
procedures, such as veneers and dental implants? The doctor should be keeping up to
date with all new dental developments, and not continue to perform the same
methods. He/She owes this to the patient.
When you walk into the waiting room, what
does the place tell you? IF they have new magazines there, they actually care
about their patients. Is the place clean? They actually care about what
patients think?
These may seem small, but they paint a
concerning picture for a dental practice that places no effort in making a
patient feel comfortable.
The same goes for infection control, they
should be up to date with equipment and required hygiene.
You, as the patient should not feel bad
about having this discussion, as at the end of the day, it is your health, and
you are paying!