To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point:
- What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule?
- Is the office easy to get to from work or home?
- Where was the dentist educated and trained?
- What's the dentist's approach to preventive dentistry?
- How often does the dentist attend conferences and...
Full Answer
What questions should I ask when choosing a dentist?
· 7 Ways to Find a Good Dentist 1. Ask People You Trust. Ask people you know and trust, like family, close friends, and co-workers. Do they have a... 2. Get a Referral from a Physician or Pharmacist. Ask your family doctor or your local …
How to find a good dentist?
Start with the Basics Is the office easy to get to from your home or job? Do they have convenient office hours? If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network? Doctor-patient communication is very important. Do you need translation or interpreter services? Is the dentist a …
What are the signs of a good dentist?
To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point: What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule? Is the office easy to get to from work or home? Where was the dentist educated and …
What should you look for when choosing a dental office?
· 1) Ask the people you trust The easiest way to find a great dentist like Midtown Dental is to communicate with folks you know and can trust them. It is important to do some investigation on the dentist who will be responsible for your teeth.
What should I look for when choosing a dentist?
How to Pick a Dentist: 7 Essential Qualities to Look ForCheck the Insurance. ... Look for Short Wait Times. ... Ask About the Service Options. ... Ask Who They See. ... Find a Comfortable Waiting Room. ... Look Into the Dentist's Credentials. ... Check the Reviews.
What questions should you ask a dentist?
Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Your DentistHow can I improve my smile? ... What should my oral hygiene regimen be? ... How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning? ... How can I keep my teeth whiter? ... Do I have any dental health conditions I should know about? ... Do I need any dental treatments?More items...•
How do you know if your dentist is good?
The following are some signs of a good dentist:He/she cares about your comfort. ... He/she asks questions and listens to you. ... He/she is in good standing with the American Dental Association. ... He/she respects your resources and your time. ... He/she follows up. ... He/she respects staff members. ... Call us to learn more.
What is the most important quality of a dentist?
Trustworthy. Since dentists are working with sharp metal objects in the mouth, a very sensitive area of the body, it is really important that they are trustworthy.
How do you interview a dentist?
Additional Dentist Interview QuestionsWhat is your dental philosophy?What do you like most about dentistry? What do you like the least?How would you handle a patient who is scared of dentists?What procedures do you have the most experience with?How comfortable are you working with children?
What should I talk to my dentist about?
How to Talk to Your Dentist About Your FearsMake a List of Your Fears. Some people have too many fears of the dentist to count – needles, the drill, the chair, the office, even the smell. ... Ask About Your Options for Dealing with Fear. ... Watch and Listen. ... Conclusion.
How do you judge a dentist?
If you're wondering whether or not yours is top of the line, we believe these are ten qualities that make a good dentist:Actively Listens to You. ... Educates You. ... Respects Your Time and Resources. ... Keeps a Clean Office. ... Only Promotes What Is Necessary. ... Gets to Know You. ... Values a Long-Term Relationship. ... Cares About Their Staff.More items...
Is it OK to switch dentists?
Yes, it is okay to switch dentists and regarding how often can you change your dentist, as many times as you want. It is okay to switch dentists and there are plenty of reasons to change dentists, none of which are wrong. It isn't so much of a process as it is just taking two or three steps.
Why do dentists always want to do root canals?
Why are root canals necessary? Root canals are a simple procedure that are recommended to save damaged, natural teeth and prevent the need for dental bridges and implants. Root canals are necessary when the pulp, or soft tissue, inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, which could lead to an abscess.
What characteristics does a dentist have?
Dentists should also possess the following specific qualities:Communication skills. Dentists must have excellent communication skills. ... Detail oriented. ... Dexterity. ... Leadership skills. ... Organizational skills. ... Patience. ... Physical stamina. ... Problem-solving skills.
What values do dentists have?
Respect: each person has value. Integrity: being true to yourself, acting with high moral and professional principles, doing “the right thing” Appreciation: being grateful for each other, for our patients, for our work, for our abilities, and for what we have been given; showing others appreciation.
How should I prepare for a dental interview?
Preparing For The InterviewPrepare documentation to highlight your studies and experience.Curriculum vitae or resume.Description of previous cases.List of practiced procedures.Letters of recommendation.Questions you may want to ask the interviewer.Copies of dental credentials and certifications.References.More items...
What are the 4 types of teeth?
We have four different types of teeth, with each type serving a particular purpose for eating and chewing.8 Incisors.4 Canines.8 Premolars.12 Molars (including 4 wisdom teeth)
Do dentists try to upsell?
There's an invisible problem in dentistry: some dentists using "creative diagnosis" to perform unnecessary work in the interest of making extra money. There isn't hard data on how often this occurs, but it's clear that it's a big issue — as highlighted by an op-ed by a dentist in American Dental Association News.
Start with the Basics
Regular visits are key to a healthy smile, so start with the details that work best with your lifestyle and dental care needs. Some things to consider include:
Launch the Search
Now that you’re looking for a dentist, you’re probably noticing advertisements online, in the newspaper and even in your mailbox. Social media sites may also have patient reviews of dentists near you, but remember that every person’s dental health needs and experiences are their own.
Meet and Greet
To find the right dentist, don’t be shy about calling or visiting the dentists on your list before deciding. “Schedule consultation time with the dentist to meet with the dentist and staff before making an appointment,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says.
Pick a Partner
Above all, you want to choose a dentist who can be a part of your total health care team. “So much of your dental health can impact your overall health,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says. “Look for someone who can be a coach to motivate you, a trusted advisor to turn to when health issues arise and a partner to make dental care decisions with.”
What Should I Look For When Choosing a Dentist?
You and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable with. To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point:
Where Do People With Special Needs Obtain Dental Care?
The ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations suggests the following tips for finding dental care if you have special needs:
Where Can I Learn About Charitable or Low-Cost Dental Care?
Because dental assistance programs vary from state to state, contact your state dental society to find out if there are programs in your area. Dental school clinics are another source of lower-cost dental care. A list of dental school clinics is provided by the ADA. Generally, dental costs in school clinics cover materials and equipment.
How to be a good dentist?
1. Actively Listens to You. A good dentist wants to help you, but the best dentists use their listening skills as much as they use their technical skills. A great doctor takes the time to listen to your concerns, never rushes to leave treatment, and will work with you to alleviate anything that might make you feel uncomfortable, ...
What makes a good dentist?
If you're wondering whether or not yours is top of the line, we believe these are ten qualities that make a good dentist: 1. Actively Listens to You. A good dentist wants to help you, but the best dentists use their listening skills as much as they use their technical skills. A great doctor takes the time to listen to your concerns, ...
What is a thoughtful dentist?
Thoughtful dentists are punctual and consider your bottom line when suggesting treatment. They have a staff who calls or texts to remind you of an upcoming appointment and helps you schedule future appointments with enough time for you to plan.
What is the ADA dental office?
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests checking to ensure your dentist's office is "clean, neat and orderly," and that all dental instruments are sterilized. If you notice things like old gloves and dirty instruments in the dental operatory, your dentist could be contaminating the examination room, which spreads germs and can make you and other patients sick.
What does ADA mean in dental?
Keeps a Clean Office. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests checking to ensure your dentist's office is "clean, neat and orderly, " and that all dental instruments are sterilized.
how to ask a dentist if you may shadow them
Most dentists take a pre-dental student asking to shadow them as a high compliment. Essentially, you’re acknowledging how awesome their job is and subtly telling them that you admire them as a person and provider. You’re asking to learn from them.
My personal suggestion...ask in person
This one should be based on the logistics of your situation. If you think that the best person to shadow is a far drive from you, calling and arranging the schedule would probably be the most logical. BUT, if you are able, I would suggest going to the office and speaking to the office staff to arrange the opportunity.
SCENARIO 1: asking in person
Let’s get things started. First, you’ll walk into the office and put your best foot forward. Then, Scenario A, B, or C will happen. Here’s a guide on how to deal with any of them with ease and grace.
SCENARIO 2: cold-calling the office
If this is the most logical way for you to get in touch with the dental office, then let’s go for it. You’ll just modify your presentation a bit to create the same impression over the phone as you would have if you had appeared in person. Let’s get started with asking the dentist if you can shadow them.
