You’ve recently moved, or maybe you just need a change. No matter the reason you’re looking for a new dentist it’s important that you make the correct decision. After all, it’s you and your family’s oral health that’s at stake. It’s more than just your smile, it impacts the overall health of your body. That’s why we’ve created this guide that will hopefully help you choose a good and reputable dentist when you’re ready to make a switch.
The main question you’ll have is “What should you look for in a new dentist?”
Let’s get started by outlining some certain qualities that your new dentist should have.
The clinic location should be convenient
If the dentist office is a big mission for you to visit, it will not only make appointments a serious chore, you’ll probably also end up slacking on your visits. Travelling far, especially with kids is something you really don’t want to have to do. That means looking for a dentist that is close to your home, to your work, or to your children’s school is a good idea. If you drive, make sure there’s ample parking, and if you take public transit, pick a clinic that’s on an accessible route. Appointment times are also something to pay attention to and ensure that they suit your lifestyle. Do you need before work appointments? What about after work, or even on the weekend? Make sure your new dentist can provide appointment times that are easy for you to keep.
Choose a qualified dentist
This is super important and should go without saying. Choose only a dentist that is certified and is a total professional. When you go to check out a clinic, pay close attention to the qualifications of not only your dentist but also those of his or her staff. Not all dentists are alike, and neither are all dental hygienists. Are your questions being answered satisfactorily, is the rapport good with your kids? Do some research and check out your dentist’s background – there’s lots of sources for this type of information. Contact the local dental board, check for Google reviews, or view their rateMD profile.
Personal rapport and comfort level
In order to figure out if you’ll get along with a dentist (and staff), the best thing to do is visit the clinic location yourself. This way you’ll be able to view the office, checking for cleanliness and friendliness of staff, as well as meet and greet everyone who you will be in contact with. Is the staff friendly? Does your dentist make a good impression and seem sympathetic to your concerns? IS the waiting area clean and comfortable? Pay attention to the details and you’ll end up making a good choice.
How to begin looking for a new dentist
When you begin to look for a new dentist there are several ways you can go about it. Our preferred method is to get advice from people you trust. This could be family, friends, co-workers or a previous dentist or other medical practitioner. Aside from word-of-mouth referrals, contacting the local dental board can be effective, as can pulling up a Google search for ‘dentists near me’. Regardless, it’s a good idea to have more than one dentist on your list, so that you’ll have something to compare and won’t feel pressured into choosing the first clinic you find.
How to make sure you don’t miss anything
You’ve found a list of potential dentists in your area and you’re ready to start going down the list. That means you should prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask, or criteria you’d like to see met before you visit or interview anyone. It will save you time and help keep you focused so you don’t miss anything. Things to include in your checklist:
- – Is the staff friendly?
- – Is the clinic in good shape and comfortable?
- – Do you get a long with your dentist and their staff?
- – Is the time being taken to address your questions or concerns?
- – Are the appointment times suitable?
- – Is the clinic location convenient?
- – How are payments handled? This includes insurance and payment plans.
There are more questions to add that will be specific to you, but these provide a good starting point.
If you’re in the Hamilton area of Ontario, we welcome you to visit our new Martindale Dental Hamilton location. Our team is friendly, our dentist absolute pros and we’d be more than happy to make your smile shine as we take care of your oral health for life.
Layla Tovey