There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a dentist, from the dental team’s expertise to the office environment to the financial options available. One thing to keep in mind is that the dentist-patient relationship is one that can span decades. That’s why it’s important to take your time before choosing one. How should one choose? What are some things to look for? This article delves into the most important considerations for choosing the right dentist:
Qualifications and Training
To be licensed in Canada, a dentist must have a BDS/DDS/DMD degree and be certified by the NDEB. These credentials basically qualify them for general dentistry, but like in all other medical fields, dentistry has specialties. Dental specialists are dentists who in addition to their undergraduate training, have received additional training in specific specialties. The six major dental specialties are oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, periodontics and prosthodontics. If you’re looking for something more than just standard care, you need to find a dentist who is certified in the particular specialty you require. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their credentials for the extra qualifications.
Extensive Experience
Qualification is one thing, but experience is another. To avoid treatment complications, the more procedures a dentist has undertaken, the better the results will likely be. Ask your potential dentist how many procedures of your nature they have undertaken and check their website for reviews and testimonials. You could also ask your primary care doctor to recommend a dentist who has enough experience in the particular procedure you require.
Convenient Hours and Location
As mentioned above, the dental-patient relationship is often a long-lasting one. Why? Because you need to go for yearly dental check-ups even when your teeth look and feel perfectly fine. For this reason, it’s important to choose a dentist that is easily accessible from home or work. Accessibility also comes in handy in the event of a dental emergency. If you work full-time, you may also want to look for a dentist who offers lunchtime appointments or who works in the evening. It’s also important to find out about your potential dentist’s waiting room reputation - are you seen at the time of your scheduled appointment or are there long waiting times? You deserve to be seen promptly!
Affordability and Payment Options
Affordable medical care is simply too important to ignore. Find out what payment plans the dentist offers. Is the dentist part of your insurance network? Does the dental office take care of claim forms or will you need to? Although you shouldn’t forego quality care for financial reasons, you also don’t want to miss your routine check-ups because your dentist is too expensive for your budget. A dentist that accepts your insurance is a good pick but you also need to ask about how flexible payments are for expenses not covered by your insurance - make sure to ask detailed questions about payment plans.
Visiting the dentist is not necessarily a favourite activity for many people but it is critical for overall good health. What’s important is to make sure you ask the right questions and do a little research before making your choice. You want to choose a dentist whom you can access in cases of emergencies, one who can answer to your dental concerns, and one that takes your health and that of your family’s seriously. If you’re looking for a professional dental clinic in Winnipeg that has a team of dentists with different specialties, East Kildonan Dental Group is the perfect one to care for you!