Whether you’re not happy with your current dentist, moving to a new area, or just not been to a dentist for years – our top ten tips will help you choose a new dentist that is just right for you!
1. Ask for recommendations
There’s nothing better than asking around for recommendations. Your friends, neighbours and work colleagues will be happy to tell you about their dentist. You don’t just want to know the ones they think are great, but also the ones to avoid.
2. Consider location
What would be a convenient location for you – do you want to be near to your home? Or near to work? Will you need to be able to park? Or does it need to be near public transport?
3. Convenient opening hours
Find one with opening hours that suit your needs. Do they have lunchtime appointments? What about evening or weekend appointments? If you have children, you might need to ask how easy it is to make an appointment out of school hours.
4. What is the practice surgery like?
If you can, visit the surgery before you make up your mind. The dentist practice you choose should be clean, tidy and well-organised. It should have a relaxed and welcoming feel.
5. The team
It’s really important to find a dentist that you like. You want to find a dentist who is professional, experienced and knowledgeable, as well as being friendly, patient and approachable.
You can tell a lot about a dental practice by popping in and meeting the reception team too – are they friendly and welcoming?
6. Services offered
It is important that your dentist offers a choice of treatments, as well as routine dental care. Have a look at their website and see what they can offer.
We hope you will never need it – but, you should also check out the access you would have to emergency appointments in the evenings or at weekends.
7. Reviews, testimonials and awards
To help you choose, you might want to have a look at their website, or their Facebook page for reviews, testimonials or the details of any awards they might have won.
8. Expertise and qualifications
If you know you’re likely to need a particular type of treatment – you should choose a dentist who specialises in that. Such as, particular types of cosmetic dentistry or caring for anxious patients.
9. Sympathetic approach
If you get nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist – make sure you choose a dentist who understands, and who specialises in treating people who are anxious or nervous.
Arnica Dental Care was very proud to win the ‘Best Treatment of Nervous Patients’ at the Private Dentistry Awards 2019.
10. Prices
Costs can vary, and it is sensible to check out pricing, however, your decision should never be based on price alone.
A good dental practice will always be open and transparent about their prices – particularly about things like cancellation charges. If it is important to you to spread out your dental costs, do ask if they offer a dental payment plan.
Don’t wait for an emergency! Taking the time to choose the right dentist will hopefully mean that you find one you can stay with for years to come.
© 2021 Arnica Dental Care and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England & Wales No: 478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS16 1GW.
