8 Things to Look for in a Dentist

A good dentist can be hard to find, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You want someone who is understanding, compassionate, and conscious of your experience as a customer. But what exactly are the factors that make up a great dentist and how do you identify them?

1. A Good Dentist is Concerned about the Patient Experience

One of your dentist’s biggest concerns, after quality treatment of course, should be making sure that you are having a great experience. In order to go that step further to be a great dentist, they should listen to you, and make sure you are comfortable and clear on the work they’re doing. They should also try to get to know you and make you feel personally cared for.

2. A Good Dentist Helps Educate

In order to make sure that you are clear on the work that is being done, you may have to have a few things explained to you, because you may not know what everything means. You should be able to trust that your dentist will clearly and patiently explain the procedure to you, and not feel that they are just trying to rush you through.



3. A Good Dentist Has a Clean Office

A sanitary dental office should go without saying. Dentists are doing cleanings, exams, and even surgeries throughout the day. Therefore, if things aren’t cleaned properly germs and even diseases can be transferred through the bacteria in the office. In addition, if they can’t keep their spaces clean, what else are they neglecting?


4. A Good Dentist Doesn’t Add Unnecessary Treatments

Some dentists will try to up-sell to you, in order to make as much money as they can off of you. However, your dentist should be a medical professional and not a salesperson. A good and ethical dentist will not try to do any work that is not necessary or has not been asked for. 


5. A Good Dentist Looks to the Long-Term

Your dentist should be interested in having a long relationship with their patients. They should follow up with you about appointments and make you feel like a priority. If the dentist acts like your visit is a one time thing, they may not be as invested as they should in your dental health.


6. A Good Dentist Cares About You as a Patient

If you feel like just a number at the dentist then there is cause for concern. Your dentist should be invested in you beyond just your visits as they happen. They should follow up with you about future appointments, and be genuinely interested in getting to know you.


7. A Good Dentist Treats Staff Well

It’s important to keep an eye on how your dentist interacts with their staff. It’ll give you a better idea of how your dentist is as a manager and how happy the people who work for them are. You may not want to support someone who is inattentive or rude to their staff.


8. A Good Dentist Respects Your Needs

A good dentist knows that your time and your money is important. They won’t leave you waiting for hours or force expensive, unnecessary treatments on you. Instead, they understand that their clients are people with unique needs, and will work with you to provide the best service possible.


Sources

Colgate

US News

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