How to Find the Right Dentist
A Dentist is a licensed practitioner who holds either a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree. The long road to becoming a dentist involves a required two years pre-dental college before heading to a 4 year dental school. And though technically qualified, not all are made equally. Choosing the right one can be a tough decision. However, with the right mindset and knowledge you may find your worries a thing of the past.
A good rule when looking into a long term dentist is to pay close attention during the initial check up. Here are a few key things to look for during your visit.
A quality dentist will take a personal interest in their patient’s health, making sure to gather a history of prior issues and listening to any current concerns. Afterward, a thorough examination including inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue, etc. is performed. A good physician will chart their findings and discuss various treatment options. Be sure to get a clear understanding of any procedures as well as of what the outcome might be. The discussion should be informative, allowing time to outline different methods and ideas if in fact treatment is required.
Beware of flamboyant advertising. Though not a rule, this tends to signify an emphasis on monetary gain for the practice rather than quality care. Many practices which overemphasize cosmetic dentistry and one-stop treatment are most likely uninterested in maintaining long term care that fails to generate higher income. While fees may sometimes be lower than that of other dentists, be sure to note whether the number of services is more than needed, as this may result in a higher cost overall.
Overall it is always important to choose a physician whom you can trust. Other factors you may want to consider include:
Whether or not the appointment schedule works for cleanliness of the officeWhether payment information regarding fees and payment plans is readily the physician is a member of the ADA
Likewise, once your initial visit is completed, a few questions to ask yourself are:
Are your gums irritated?
Do you feel pain when drinking hot or cold liquids?
Was any debris left in your mouth post treatment?
How does your bite feel?
Go ahead and make a list of questions that pertain to your concerns and address the topics that matter to you. Be prepared, and avoid making any hasty decisions. At the end of the day, as long as everything seems to add up comfort-wise, you just may have found your new dentist!