When you need expert
dental care, in whose caring hands will you trust?
Six Tips
On How To Choose
a Dentist That’s
Right For You!
Are
you shopping smarter now? There is no need to lower your
standards of quality or go without a warm sense of feeling valued
as a patient. Value is incredibly important in getting
the products and service you need and want in today’s economy.
Read below to discover how we have helped hundreds of patients
just like you cut through all the dental marketing hype to find
a dental home where you feel a warm welcome, friendly faces
and expert care!
At some time or another you will be faced with looking for a new
dentist. Like most people you want to find a dentist that you can
trust, who will care for you and your family and has your best interests
in mind. Since this is an important decision in your life,
we have decided to give you “The Inside Scoop On How to
Choose a Dentist That’s Right For You!” to help guide you
to the right dentist. I have seen so many people in pain and suffer
mentally and financially throughout my years in practice simply
because of poor dental work. Most people don’t know how to go about
selecting a dentist, or even realize the problems that can occur
if you don’t choose wisely. Together, we are not going to let that
happen to you.
Tip#1: Ask for recommendations.
Tip#2: Check the doctor’s license and credentials.
It may sound simplistic but check for license status and if any
disciplinary action has been taken against that dentist.
Credentials are huge in dentistry! Make sure your dentist is a
member in the Indian Dental Association (IDA) http://www.ida.org
and American Dental Association (ADA) http://www.ada.org/ . This credential alone is worth
its weight in gold as you know that a “Fellowed” dentist is committed
to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest treatment
techniques to keep you comfortable and safe.
TIP#3: Not asking for verification of
diagnosis. It is critical that you find a dentist that has
digital x-rays that you can see on the computer screen.
Most dentists with integrity will show you you’re x-rays but sometimes,
even better, a great dentist will show you an intra-oral camera
picture of your teeth so you will know exactly what the doctor
sees in your mouth. Seeing this opens great communication
about your condition, your options and allows you to be a part
of deciding your dental treatment!
Tip #4: Visit the office or take advantage of
a free consultation! Come visit or better yet take advantage of
a free consultation. Look for a courteous staff and doctor that
listens and takes the time to answer your questions.
Tip#5: Ask the right questions.
This is a big one since most patients don’t know the critical
questions to ask! Ask about infection control! (Especially
with the H1N1 spreading) Does the office follow the recently
updated CDC guidelines? Do they participate in a program
to monthly monitor the effectiveness of their sterilizers?
Ask about staff training! Are the dental assistants and
hygienist current with CPR, and x-ray technique? Does the
office make every effort to be up front and answer your questions
regarding scheduling and billing?
Tip #6: Observe the chair side manner of the
doctor/hygienist. Does your doctor/hygienist take time to listen
to you, make eye contact and have a sympathetic, caring manner?
What about personality? Going to the dentist is stressful enough;
you want someone who is warm, friendly, has a great sense of humor
and that puts you at ease! You want an office you can connect
with and feel at home.
Now that we have given you the insider information on how
to find the right dentist for you and your family, it is time for
you to take action. Please don’t delay dental care! We want you
to be healthy, happy about your smile and pain free for life!
