What to Look for in a Family Dentist

Choosing a family dentist can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right advice. Here are 9 things to look for when choosing a family dentist!

1. Know What you Need in a Family Dentist

First, you have to know what you need in a family dentist. Is it just routine care that you’re after? Or specialty care such as braces, or a complicated surgical procedure?

Generally, a dentist will tell you if what you need is outside their area of expertise, and will be able to refer you to a competent specialist if required.

2. Ensure Your Family Dentist Has the Proper Training

Don’t be shy! Ask the dentist that you are considering if they have experience with the procedures and treatments that you require. Find out how much experience they have – you need to know if their level of experience is sufficient for your needs.

It is usually easy to find out where your dentist was trained, as they’ll have their diploma posted on the wall of their clinic. You can further verify this training by checking with their local licensing body.

3. Consider Location, Location, Location!

Ensure the dentist’s office is in a convenient location – you’ll be going there a couple of times a year, and possible more if you run into any dental issues that require special treatment. The last thing you need is to choose a dentist that’s a long drive away on the other side of town, right?

4. Ensure Your Family Dentist’s Office Hours Meet Your Needs

Ensure that your potential family dentist has hours of operation that overlap with times that you’ll be able to actually go there for appointments. If you work Monday to Friday and can’t get away for an appointment, choose a dentist that is open on evenings or weekends. They’re sometimes hard to find, but do exist!

5. Ensure Adequate Emergency Care

Does this family dentist provide after hours emergency care? Or will you need to tough it out until morning, or head to the hospital for more serious issues? Most dentists have systems in place to deal with after hours emergencies – find out about it!

6. Ensure That They Make Patient Comfort a Priority

Especially if going to the dentist makes you nervous, find out what options they provide for patient comfort. This can range from simple distractions such as providing a TV for patients to watch during dental procedures, or earphones for music. Also find out what they have available for pain relief. Some dentists offer services that you may fear that are virtually painless. Would a female dentist put you at ease? Find out if they have female dentists.

7. Does This Family Dentist Direct Bill to Your Insurance

Filling out insurance forms is tedious – if you can find a dentist whose staff will bill your insurance company directly, it makes your life easier.

8. Visit the Clinic in Person and Check it Out

Take a look around the clinic and ensure that it is neat, clean, and orderly. The staff should be friendly and helpful, and wear gloves during patient treatment.

9. Take Special Needs Into Account

If you have a serious medical condition, ensure your dentist is aware and comfortable/confident that it will be considered as part of your health care plan.

If you are extremely nervous about dental procedures, does this dentist have the patience and compassion to handle it? Do they offer sedation even for routine procedures?

Ask them, and see what they say.

If You Know What to Look For, Finding a Family Dentist is Easy!

If you take the above points into account, you’ll see that finding a family dentist that suits your needs will be easy. The main things to remember are that you need to be patient, take the time to ask questions, and trust your gut. If something feels off, then move on – there are plenty of dentists to choose from, so there’s no reason to settle for someone that isn’t right for you or your family.

Reflections Dental Oakville dental office is located in Palermo Village serving Oakville and the neighbouring communities of Burlington and Milton, ON.