How do you actually go about finding a new dentist?
Perhaps you’ve moved to a different city, or your regular dentist has shut down. Perhaps you just haven’t been in a while and thought, right, now is the time.
Recommendations
- First point of call would be a recommendation. Ask a friend, relative, colleague if they have a dentist they like and respect. You could even ask your local pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Search the web
- Go online, get a feeling from their website. Do they have dentist profiles on their website?
- Do they offer the service you need? Perhaps you need a dentist that specialises in certain care. (See below for more on that!)
- Convenience factor. When are they open? Do the hours suit you? Is the practice close by? Is it easy to get an appointment?
- Perhaps they have a special for new patients?
- Find out a bit about them before you make a call!
- Above all, it is important you find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable. Choosing a dentist you come to know and trust will make it more likely that you schedule and attend your appointments.
What kind of dentist should I look for?
- General dental practitioners are trained to do all types of treatment. If you have difficult or unusual problems, you may be referred to a specialist.
- Endodontists perform a range of routine and complex procedures, including surgery if required. They are also very experienced at diagnosing and treating the origin of oral and facial pain. Root canal treatment is the most common procedure carried out by endodontists.
- Oral/Maxillofacial dentists specialise in the surgery of the mouth, face and jaw including the removal of the teeth, tumours and cysts. They also use methods similar to those of plastic surgery to treat cosmetic problems of the jaw and face.
- Orthodontists specialise in misaligned teeth, using braces and other appliances to move teeth into a better position.
- Paediatric dentists are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through to their teenage years. They help guide children’s dental growth and development by avoiding future dental problems.
- Periodontists specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases and jaw issues. Periodontists are also experts in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.