Finding a new dentist

The process of finding a new private dentist is relatively straightforward. Again it is a matter of locating an appropriate practice, contacting them and seeing if you can be place on their waiting list too. To register as a new patient, simply call. It should literally be that easy for you. Ask family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers for their recommendations. Just simply take your time as it is your decision after all.

Begin with the basics

Regular visits to a good dentist are key to a healthy smile, so start with the details that work best with your lifestyle and dental care needs. Some things to consider include:

• Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
• Do they have convenient office hours?
• If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network?
• Doctor-patient communication is very important. Do you need translation or interpreter services?

The works done by speciality dentists

There are times when your general dentist should refer you to a specialist for procedures that cannot be done in-office. Specialty dentists focus on dental issues beyond standard care and receive additional training on specialties above and beyond their general dentistry degree. Specialists are necessary when you encounter problems that a general dentist can’t address, like those due to heredity, overall health issues, or an accident.

Suppose your child is incredibly nervous about appointments, for instance. In that case, they may direct you to a paediatric dentist who practices sedation dentistry or takes an approach that is better suited for younger patients. Suppose your teeth are damaged and you need extensive cosmetic work. In that case, your general dentist could refer you to a cosmetic specialist in dentistry for more in-depth treatment. A qualified general dentist knows when to refer patients and when to treat them personally.

Key points to look out for when going for a dentist

Schedule a necessary appointment so you can verify that you’ve made the right choice. Routine cleaning is a great place to start: You can see how the staff performs and talk to your new dentist as a patient. Some things to look for in a dentist include:

• The cleanliness of the office.
• The chair-side manner of the staff.
• Level of comfort.
• Your conversations with the dentist. Do they listen to your concerns and value you as a patient?
• The level of advice you’re given. Does they suggest a healthy oral hygiene routine, like brushing twice daily with a toothpaste.

Overall

Choosing a dentist shouldn’t be done lightly because you’re choosing a partner for your health – potentially for years to come. So, while you’re boxing up your priceless heirlooms and making sure you’ve cleaned out your old home, don’t forget that one of the most valuable moving tips is to take some time to find, research and evaluate a new dentist. Doing so can make your new location feel a little more like home.