7 Things to Look For in a Dentist’s Office
With Halloween out of the way, it’ll be only a couple short months before the New Year is here, which means it’s time to start on those New Year Resolutions. If you’re having trouble starting a list, how about this one: if you’re unhappy with your current dentist, switch it! But maybe you’ve been with your old dentist for so long, you don’t know where to start looking. Luckily, we have some tips for you so you can decide whether or not your new dentist is right for you. Here are 7 things to consider before choosing a dentist.
CLEANLINESS: Any place where a medical service is performed should be held to the highest of sanitation and cleanliness standards.
THE STAFF: You can immediately tell this one by a simple phone call or by walking into the office itself. The receptionists are your first point of contact and should be friendly and inviting towards you.
THE DENTIST: One of the most important things to consider when choosing your next dental practice is the dentist themselves. Does he or she pride themselves on providing the best patient treatment? Are they specialized in other areas besides general dentistry. The more qualifications a dentist has, the better.
INSURANCE POLICY: Does this dental office see your insurance provider as a valid one? Not all services will be covered by insurance and different offices have different policies. Avoid having to pay out of pocket and double check before booking an appointment.
TECHNOLOGY: How are the machines and tools that dentists use? Are they the latest models or are they looking a little prehistoric/ As time rolls on, technology advances to make our lives better, so dentists should also be keeping up with the times and upgrade their machines whenever possible.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Does the office pride itself on keeping their staff continuously updated on all the latest advancements? There’s always something new to learn, and a good dental office will put in the time and money to ensure their staff are well aware of the new practices and procedures.
COMFORT: Are there services available to those who suffer from dental anxiety? Not all dental offices will offer sedation services if they’re not qualified. If you suffer from dental anxiety, be sure to double check and see what is available to you.