Change is hard, no matter where it happens.
Even for the most unimportant shifts in your life, change can be a struggle for you. Change can be even more challenging when you need to trust another person, such as when you need a new dentist. Choosing a dentist involves trusting that they will not try to upcharge you for unneeded procedures and that they won’t hurt you while examining and working on your dental health.
To help you match with the right dentist, we put together a list of questions to ask a new dentist. Ensure the future of your dental health by getting the right dentist for you.
1. What Specialty Does this Dentist Have?
Medical professionals, as most professionals, tend to have general and specific skills. Every dentist should be able to inspect your teeth and advise what cleaning will be necessary. Some dentists will specialize in extractions, veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, or another aspect of dentistry. Check out their past work, their reviews, and make sure to ask them what services they love to do - that usually gets a good response out of them. Go to someone who is great at what you need, especially if you will go for your kids.
2. Can You Provide References?
You can’t truly know something until you experience it. Someone can write a glowing website with the best pictures, but that can all be a trick. The real proof is in what they have done. Does this dentist have many strong reviews? Make sure to check social media and google. What do their worst reviews have to say about their practice? Ask the receptionist, other customers, and the dentist about their past clients. Giving a call to a previous customer may seem uncomfortable, but you will benefit from their insights and they might love to glow up their dentist.
3. Does this Dentist Guarantee Your Satisfaction?
No one can guarantee results. If they try to do that, you have your first red flag. Instead, be on the lookout for “your satisfaction guaranteed!” Your dentist should be doing what they can to help you feel comfortable, understand the procedures, and transparently ask about required payment before beginning any work. Check for these signs, but also ask your possible dentist about their satisfaction guarantees?
4. What is Your Waiting Policy?
You will not be this dentist’s only client, which is fine. However, you shouldn’t have to set up a tent in the waiting room because you are there so long. You and your kids live busy lives, so you don’t have time to waste sitting around with no need. This procedure became even more important in 2020 with the health risks of COVID-19. Find out the dentist’s waiting policy. Make sure to ask about what their new approach has been to keep their patients safe.
5. Will You Teach Me Preventative Tips?
Dentists sometimes need to pick up the pieces of someone’s dental health. Most health experts would agree that preventative steps will help protect you now and in the future from having poor health. Your dentist should not just be cleaning your teeth - they should also be giving you and your kids advice about what you can do between visits to keep up your oral health. Conversations, pamphlets, and demonstrations are all helpful ways to learn preventative oral health tips. Tell your prospective dentist that you want these tips and see how they respond.
Choose Your New Dentist for Better Oral Health
Try all these questions out on a potential new dentist. Research their website and reviews, then go with your gut instinct. Here at Southfield Family Dental, we have experience with calming patients’ anxieties. Our reviews speak for themselves. If you have any questions about our practice or becoming a new patient, give our staff a call today.
