Finding the best dentist in Orlando or the best dentist in Winter Park doesn’t have to be difficult. We offer a guide to ask your self as well as your potential dentist to see if you are a good match for each other. The best dentist for any individual is one that helps you reach your optimal oral and physical health. For you that may mean a dentist that motivates you floss more regularly, or it might be a dentist that just listens and performs the dentistry that is a good fit for you right now. On your journey to finding the best dentist for you, here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself along the way.
Does your dental office know who you are?
If you have been a regular patient in a practice, then your doctor and his/her staff should know who you are! This encompasses a myriad of different points: do they know which phone number you prefer to be contacted at? Do you have to explain the same information to the same people over and over again? Has someone called you by the wrong name or confused your treatment with someone else’s? These slip-ups show a great lack of personal attention and attention to detail–two factors that are of the utmost importance in dentistry!
Is your dentist using digital x-rays?
While it may not seem like the end of the world so your dentist to take x-rays the “old fashioned” way, it actually says a lot more about their practice than you might think. Digital x-rays have been available in dental practices since the late 90’s and are far superior in terms of clear imaging, image manipulation, and record archiving. Digital x-rays also reduce the patient’s’ exposure to radiation. If your dental office is not using modern x-ray technology that has been available for nearly twenty years, it may be time to consider a practice with a better handle on modern dental technologies.
Does your dentist have a holistic approach to your health?
Your dental provider should be working in tandem with other doctors and specialists to promote whole health for their patients! This means, if your provider detects any health issues, but does not perform the necessary procedure to address said issue, there should be an easy, comfortable referral process in place to get you the care you need!
How many certifications are up on the wall?
Of course, the number of diplomas on a person’s wall does not guarantee any particular degree of quality; however, continuing education is essential for any quality dentist! It is so important that your doctor make continued efforts to learn cutting-edge treatments; that way, you will always know that the best options are available to you.
Is your dentist your advocate?
It is important for patients to feel like they have someone on their team. This includes everything from listening attentively to the issues at hand to going up to bat with insurance companies on their behalf. Your dentist should always ask about your feelings regarding treatment, financing, and your oral health. More importantly, they should truly listen and care to what you have to say.
Do you have options?
If you are not comfortable with a particular treatment, your provider should be open to discussing why you are not comfortable and what alternatives he/she can provide. Often, patients feel as though they are “backed in a corner” by their dentist’s treatment recommendations. This should never be the case! It is your dentist’s job to find the best treatment for you, even if it isn’t the easiest or most convenient for them.
Are you valued?
This extends well past how kind you dentist and their staff are towards you (although that is certainly important, too)! Often, while a patient’s dentist is nice enough, they feel that their time and treatment are not valued by their doctor. You should never be kept waiting for an inappropriate amount of time, unless there is some sort of emergency that is beyond the doctor’s control.
Does your dentist explain everything to you?
It’s amazing how often providers will take it upon themselves to perform treatments without speaking to the patient at hand, just because “they were already in there.” This is the mark of a poor communicator! Your doctor or his/her assistant should walk you through each and every part of your treatment; this means explaining what you need and why you need it. Additionally, the office manager should break down your out-of-pocket costs, if any, and explain your insurance benefits.
Are you uncomfortable?
If you feel uncomfortable in any way, it is your dentist’s job to make it right! There are many comfort care technologies available nowadays to help make each visit more enjoyable. Ask your doctor about nitrous and other anxiety aids. If you doctor does not provide these, it is easy to find one that will!
Does the practice have your best interest at heart?
This should be a resounding, “YES!” Everything, from the staff to the products provided to you, should have your best interest in mind. A practice with their patient’s needs as the center focus will combine the latest technology, comfort amenities, a caring staff, and wonderful communication to make you feel 100% cared-for. As far as choosing a practice goes, this last question is a non-negotiable!
The Best Dentist for You
I hope this guide has been useful in helping you find the best dentist for you. At Advanced Park Dental we welcome everyone to come and discover if we are a good match for each other. We are really passionate about patient care and we strive to make every meeting as comfortable and productive as possible.