What if going to the dentist didn’t have to be an uncomfortable or stressful experience? It might sound like science-fiction to some, but it can be a reality. Oftentimes, patients who avoid making dental appointments are visiting a dentist who simply isn’t their best match. Once they find someone who makes them feel at ease, scheduling regular checkups and cleanings doesn’t seem so bad.
Often, finding a dentist you’ll want to stay with long-term comes down to asking three questions.
#1. Can They Effectively Address Your Needs?
While you can expect most (if not all) general dentists to provide checkups and cleanings, you’ll have to dig deeper into their website if you want something like Invisalign or dental implants. You should also know that some practices are specialty offices that focus on one type of treatment or subfield. An endodontist, for example, is a root canal expert, but likely won’t perform cosmetic procedures like dental veneers or teeth whitening.
Amenities can also vary from dentist to dentist and shouldn’t be underestimated. You might’ve noticed, for example, that at Allure Dental Boutique, we provide what’s known as “white glove hospitality.” This basically means we go above and beyond to make you feel like a VIP. You probably won’t get paraffin wax hand treatments, warm towels, or a glass of wine at a “normal” office!
If luxury comforts like these would encourage you to make regular dental appointments, then a “white glove practice” is definitely worth considering.
#2. What Are Their Credentials?
At minimum, a dentist has to complete a four-year undergraduate degree program, finish dental school, and consistently devote a certain amount of time to continuing education (the exact amount of hours varies by state) in order to be considered qualified. Specialists must undergo an additional two to three years of advanced training in their chosen focus, which often includes a residency.
Beyond that, dental professionals are free to pursue various certifications, organizational memberships, and training courses at their discretion. In other words, some dentists have a longer list of credentials than others! If you are looking to get treatment for something that’s a bit outside the norm, like dental implants, Invisalign, or BOTOX, then you should definitely check whether the dentist has any relevant training or board memberships. It takes a well-practiced hand to do these treatments well.
#3. Are They Equipped with Modern Technology?
To be clear, a dentist who doesn’t have the latest and greatest technology can still deliver outstanding care. But if the dentist’s office tends to make you anxious or uncomfortable, modern technology can make a huge difference.
Take our iTero Element 3D Scanner for example. This is a long, thin, wand-like device that we use to capture detailed images of our patients’ mouths. One of its major benefits is that it enables us to get accurate dental measurements without having to subject patients to the goopy, gray, gross putty traditionally used for impressions. In just a couple of minutes, we’ll have everything needed to customize a beautiful set of veneers or effective Invisalign trays – all while avoiding the patient’s gag reflex.
Conclusion
To a certain extent, finding “the best” dentist simply means choosing the one who best suits your preferences. We know our patients appreciate the personal touch of a smaller, boutique-type practice. Others, though, are drawn to the convenience of a larger office with multiple dentists and an exhaustive list of services.
Regardless of the type of dental care you’d like, asking these three questions can help you find a dentist you won’t mind visiting on a regular basis.
About the Author
As the premier dentist of Lutz, FL, Dr. Shabnam Tehrani is passionate about giving her patients a luxury dental experience. She diligently pursues continuing education opportunities to keep her skills sharp and help ensure she provides the best care possible. If you’re looking for a new dental home, Dr. Tehrani and her team would be happy to welcome you to Allure Dental Boutique! To book an appointment, call 813-751-3044.