12 questions to ask your dentist to verify his worthiness of you as a patient
12 questions to ask your dentist to verify his worthiness of you as a patient
How long have you been in practice?
Experience comes not just with schooling, but years of practice and continuing
education.
How have you continued your education?
It is important to know what classes he/she has attended. What institute he/she
has ties with and what techniques have been used and implemented within the
office?
Does he/she keep up with the latest techniques?
There are many different techniques used within the dental field. Not every
doctor uses every technique they have learned. What works for some, may not work
for others (diff. strokes for diff. folks) So, he/she can not be expected to
change what works for them every time they learn something new. However, if they
have learned a technique that is beneficial to the patients well being, and they
choose to take a short cut by not implementing this into their practice, a red
flag should go up.
What study groups does he/she belong to?
Some doctors belong to a group that will do many things to further their
education such as seminars with keynote speakers.
What services are performed within the practice?
Its important to know what services are performed, because if he/she says
“Everything under the sun”, another red flag should go up. Its not possible to
specialize in everything. I appreciated my dentist when he sent me to an oral
surgeon for the extraction of my 3rd molars (wisdom teeth). One of the four would
have been difficult. Far different from my childhood dentist that pulled 4 teeth
before having braces. One tooth gave him trouble. I won’t go into details, I’ll
just say I ran out of there sick!
What hours are they open and what arrangements can be made for emergency dental
care?
You want appointment time to be convenient to your schedule. And, you never know
when you might have an emergency.
Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health
problems and dental emergencies?
I call this preventive maintenance. The doctor and hygienist should explain good
oral hygiene and warn you of problems arising.
Does the doctor have a valid license?
No need to explain this one! If in doubt, check with the Department of Education
in your state that licenses dentists.
Is the office clean, neat and orderly?
Are infection control procedures in place?
The dentist should use “universal precautions” such as gloves, mask and
appropriate protective garb and routinely sterilize and disinfect instruments and
the work area to protect against spreading infectious diseases.
Was your medical and dental history recorded?
This is vital to your well being.
Does the dentist explain treatment options and fees?
I want to know everything I am expected to pay before the treatment is performed.
If he/she seems uncomfortable answering your questions, he/she may not be the
dentist for you. You have every right to choose you dentist. You need to feel
comfortable with your dentist and hygienist. You are not just a patient. You are
a client! Most dentist appreciate knowing your concerns. When my hygienist was
unavailable and a temporary took her place, I was not pleased with her service. I
kindly informed my dentist and she was glad I did. You may want to call or visit
more than one dentist before choosing a dentist.
Miriam Olsen has been a dental technician for 19 years with the last 10 years
running her own lab out of the house. Last year she created her own web site
concentrating on dental information and has expanded to offer products and
information on enhancing your beauty and life. For more information go to
www.dynamicsmile.com
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