There can be any one of several reasons why you might be looking for a new dentist. The most obvious is that you have moved to a new town or city. Another reason could be that you were unhappy with the service your previous dentist was providing. Whether it is these or another motive, to find a new dentist, and more importantly, the right dentist for you, it means considering several factors. Ten of them are listed below, along with the reason they are so important.
Qualifications / Accreditations – Quite simply, you want to ensure that your new dentist is fully qualified and holds all the mandatory qualifications, training, and accreditation necessary to treat dental patients, especially yourself, safely and effectively.
What Range Of Dental Services Do They Provide? – This may be influenced by what you believe your future dental care needs might be. A dental practice that provides a broad range of services means that they are more likely to offer those which you may need at a later date.
What Do Their Reviews And Testimonials Say? – Reading the reviews and testimonials of those who already use a dentist you are considering is helpful. You should not expect them all to be 100% positive (in reality that would seem dodgy) but certainly, the vast majority of them should be.
Do You Know Someone Who Already Uses Them? – The best feedback on a potential dentist is from someone you know who already uses them. That would allow you to question them on the levels of service, the cleanliness of the surgery and the professionalism of the support staff.
Do They Specialise In Any Specific Areas Of Dentistry? – Some dentists work on a general basis, and some also specialise in certain treatments, for example, cosmetic dentistry such as dental impacts. You may wish to choose a specialist in an area of dental expertise that applies to your needs.
How Convenient Is It To Travel To Their Surgery’s Location? – A key factor in choosing a new dentist is that they are located close enough to where you live or work so that the travelling time for your appointments is not excessive.
Do They Offer Out Of Hours Appointments? – It might be that your circumstance makes it almost impossible to attend appointments during normal office hours. As such, a dental practice that offers appointment times in the evening, even if just one day a week, or better still, at weekends, would be desirable.
Do They Have An Emergency Service? – Whilst hopefully you or your loved ones never have to require emergency dental treatment, it can be reassuring to know that the dentist you chose has an emergency service you can call upon should the need ever arise.
What Are Their Fees And Do They Offer Treatment Payment Plans? – You will need to take account of what any potential dentist‘s fees are, both for routine treatments, as well as those that are more specialised, such as X-rays. You also want to enquire about treatment plans to spread the cost.
Are They Taking On New Patients At The Moment? – The fact is that unless a dentist is taking on new patients, none of the above matters. They may have a waiting list, and if so, and you really want them as your dentist, ask them what the expected waiting time is.