Oral and dental health is extremely important for all age groups. Neglecting dental care or not paying enough attention to dental health can lead to irreversible damage in the long term. Therefore, it is necessary to make dental care a habit, especially starting from childhood.
Dental health problems experienced from childhood must be treated by a specialist dentist. Today, many people do not emphasise dental health and do not practise regular dental care.
It is clear that dental health problems cannot be permanently resolved without the touch of a professional. However, there are some points to consider when choosing a dentist. We have listed these points for you.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a dentist?
The main points to consider when choosing a dentist can be listed as follows:
1. Equipment and expertise
One of the most important points to focus on when looking for a good dentist is their professional qualifications and experience. The most crucial criterion is that the dentist is an expert in their field and possesses strong professional knowledge. Especially in treatment processes related to aesthetic dentistry, it is very important for the dentist to have rich experience in this area. For example, for the treatment of a gum-related problem, a dentist specialised in periodontology should be preferred.
Our teeth are among the most important organs in our body. Therefore, when choosing a doctor for treatment, particular attention should be paid to the doctor’s experience and educational background. You should consider dentists who have relevant education and comprehensive experience in the field.
Likewise, when choosing a dental clinic, you should pay attention to the expertise of the clinic’s staff and their level of experience.
2. Choosing a dentist based on specialisation
Another factor that will guide your search when looking for a good dentist is knowing what type of treatment you need. For example, if you are looking for a treatment related to dental aesthetics, it would be more beneficial to choose a dentist who specialises in aesthetic dentistry. However, if you have complaints about crooked or misaligned teeth, it would be more appropriate to consult an orthodontist.
3. Choosing a dental clinic
In addition to the importance of selecting a good dentist, the clinic in which the dentist works should also be examined. Since we are dealing with health, hygiene must always be a priority. The level of hygiene in the clinic where the dental treatment will take place, the approach of the medical staff to patients, and the structure of the clinic are important factors to consider when trying to reach the right place and expert hands. The attitude of the assistants when making appointments and the sense of security provided to you during both the examination and treatment process will help you choose the right dentist. Additionally, you should research whether the clinic adopts modern treatment methods and equipment.
4. Appointment process
The appointment process plays a significant role in the planning of dental treatment. Especially if you have a treatment plan that involves multiple areas, you should consider whether the dentist’s appointment schedule fits your own.
5. Modern treatment methods
Unfortunately, many patients avoid visiting a dentist even for routine dental check-ups, let alone emergency situations. When addressing anxious patient behaviour, it’s important to understand that such individuals may have had traumatic experiences in the past. However, implementing modern treatment methods and the latest developments in dental technology makes dental treatment safe for all age groups. It should not be forgotten that helping the patient feel safe should be the top priority in dental treatment.
When choosing a dentist, you must check whether the clinic uses state-of-the-art treatment methods. Practices such as digital X-rays, laser dentistry, and digital scanning fall under this category.
6. Dental staff and other personnel
The fields of medicine and dental health are advancing more each day. You should definitely ask whether the dentists, assistants, hygienists, and other staff in the clinic you plan to visit are aware of the latest practices and training. A dental professional should be knowledgeable about modern applications and treatment methods. We all want the professionals we entrust our teeth to be open to continuous improvement.
7. Choosing a dentist for child patients
If you have children or plan to have children, you should choose a dentist who serves all age groups rather than a clinic that only treats adults. Child patients are just as important as adult patients. Paediatric dentists are professionals who specialise in children’s dental treatment and have received training to meet children’s needs. You should especially look for clinics that promise to reduce children’s anxieties. The clinic’s interior atmosphere, furniture, equipment, and other elements should serve the comfort of child patients.
8. Quality of service
When choosing a good dentist and dental clinic, the comfort of treatment practices is also an important issue. Every treatment process is individual. Therefore, every dental clinic should aim to provide an environment where the patient feels most comfortable and secure.
9. Your expectations from the dental clinic
In the treatment of dental problems, each patient’s treatment process is unique. Each patient may respond differently to dental needs or emergencies. For this reason, the suitable dentist and dental clinic vary for each patient. Remember that every patient deserves a dentist and clinic that supports lifelong oral and dental health. Each patient’s expectations from their dental clinic and dentist differ.
In addition to a dental treatment that offers a solution to a specific dental problem, what applications does your doctor offer for routine dental check-ups? Are there any treatments offered for cosmetic purposes beyond basic dental issues? Patients looking for answers to these kinds of questions will have different expectations from the services provided.
10. Payment and insurance preferences
To find the most suitable treatment, you should learn whether the cost of the treatment process at your chosen dental clinic is affordable for you, as well as the payment methods and insurance policies they accept.
Also see: Everything you need to know about dental phobia
What makes a good dentist?
The question “What makes a good dentist?” is one frequently asked by those who care about oral and dental health, regularly get check-ups, and are in search of a good dentist for dental issues. The main goal of a good dentist is to understand their patients’ concerns while solving dental and gum problems and to help them feel safe. From the beginning to the end of the treatment, they should listen to their patients’ complaints and approach them patiently and with understanding. Patients tend to choose doctors who seek solutions to their complaints and help restore their health. Most people generally consult their acquaintances when looking for a dentist. Being a recommended dentist is a positive thing for any dental professional. It also serves as a good indicator of the dentist’s professional reputation.
