5 tips to consider when choosing your dentist

Dental treatment can be an anxious experience, and in choosing a dentist you would like to know that you are in good, empathetic and experienced hands. You would also prefer a dentist that is known in your community, and on whom you can rely on when need arises.

Here are five considerations to take into account when choosing the dentist or dental practice that is right for you and your family.

1.   Speak to friends for reliable referrals

One of the best ways to get trustworthy referrals is to consult your friends about their own experience with dentists. Most people will have made their choices based on earlier good experiences with a dentist in Randburg or in any area.

Make sure that your dentist of choice has Board Certification and wide experience in dental practice. It is especially important to make sure that your dentist has not been involved in any malpractice before. These aspects can be checked through relevant portals online.

2.   Consult available patient reviews

It is likely that your dentist will have a website where patient reviews can be read, but these can also be cross-referenced at other sites for confirmation purposes.

Points to take into account are ease of making appointments, waiting times in reception areas, and the general atmosphere of welcome and comfort. These are important elements in reducing anxiety and stress associated with dental visits.

3.   Check on the dentist’s experience

What you need to know is the degree of experience and competence that your dentist of choice brings to his or her practice. Enquire about any special training the practitioner has undergone for procedures such as orthodontics.

Bear in mind that long and broad experience puts your dentist in a better position to deal both more efficiently and more calmly with the dental problems you bring to the chair.

Experience is also a crucial factor in dealing effectively with any complications that may arise in the course of any procedure.

4.   Note your dentist’s way of communicating

It is always easier and more calming to be treated by a dentist who has a sympathetic and patient communication style. A rushed or hurried practitioner, or one with a harsh manner, can leave you feeling abused.

Look for a dentist who is willing to entertain your questions, to take note of your specific problems and anxieties, and to give understandable answers to any questions about your condition and treatment.

In seeking a dentist in Randburg, ensure that you find a practitioner who is open to treating you with due consideration for your personal requirements and to address any doubts you may have.

5.   Pricing and protection

Also take into account the practice’s pricing structure and payment policies, and make due comparisons between quality of care and pricing among dentists in your area. Be sure to understand your insurance policy as it relates to the dentist you have chosen.

Finally, ensure that the practice has good Covid-19 measures in place so that you or your loved ones remain safe and protected during any type of dental procedure.

Read more: 3 Ways you can whiten your teeth at home