Many people don’t visit the dentist nearly as often as they should. According to the Adult’s Oral Health & Well-Being Survey in 2018, only 58% of Americans saw a dentist at least once a year.
There are a lot of reasons that people don’t see the dentist often enough. Finances and anxiety are probably the two biggest. However, another common problem is that too many people have trouble finding a dentist that they can trust to give them quality dental care.
Steps to Finding a Dentist that Offers Excellent Care
Finding a dentist you can trust can seemingly be an overwhelming task. However, it gets much easier if you know exactly what to look for and expect from the potential candidates. Most people will only be comfortable with a dentist (and his/her office staff) they can relate with, which is why it’s important to find someone you can trust. It is only by hiring an experienced and trustworthy dentist that trips to his/her clinic won’t be as frightening as many people like to put it.
Unfortunately, finding the right dentist is a lot easier said than done. You need to really do your due diligence and weigh your options, because some dentists fail to offer the quality services that they boast about on their websites.
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Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a dentist Edmonton.
1. He/she should understand your needs
A good dentist will take his/her time to understand what dental issues you might have before making a diagnosis. It is by asking questions and inspecting your dental formulae that he/she can make the necessary recommendations. You might as well not have any dental issues but want your teeth professionally cleaned.
In other words, always try to find a dentist who takes time to first understand your needs and concerns before addressing them. Their attentiveness is a good indicator that they are going to live up to their promises.
2. The dentist should offer treatment options for your specific needs
Every dental/oral issue is unique to the patient. A good dentist will thus recommend several specialized treatment options for you to choose from. He/she might go an extra mile to explain what each treatment option entails and its advantages over the others. This enables you to make a more informed decision and pick one fitting your budget.
3. Dental technology and equipment used
The dentistry industry has evolved drastically over the recent past. Some of the best dental clinics use highly innovative and advanced technology for diagnosis (oral cancer detection), cleaning, and even laser technology where needed. You thus should check to ensure the dentist is up to date with the latest equipment for the job. Be sure to inquire about his/her experience with this equipment and the procedure he/she is about to perform.
4. The dentist needs to be conversant with your medical history
A person’s medical history is directly linked to his/her oral health. Certain conditions, including allergies, heart disease, diabetes, and some medications, may influence your oral health, a reason your dentist needs to be conversant with your medical history. A good dentist will first ask about your medical history before delving into your oral health. This enables him/her to make an accurate diagnosis, thus superior service.
5. Choose A Dentist You Are Comfortable With
You want to hire a dentist who is not only experienced and knowledgeable but someone you feel comfortable with or around. Some people may be comfortable with a reactive dentist, while others are more at home with a proactive one. Whatever your preferences are, choose someone you can relate with, and especially one you can have a conversation with.