Oral health is something we often take for granted until a problem arises. When it does, there’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of knowing you have to visit the dentist. Toothache is bad enough without the dread associated with dealing with an impersonal or uncaring dental practice.
Studies show that the vast majority of us feel fear in some form or another when faced with a trip to the dentist's office. More than 75% of adults suffer from anxiety at the idea of a visit! These fears usually come from unfounded ideas and expectations, most of which can be allayed with a little trust in a good dentist.
Choosing a family dentist that understands these fears makes all the difference. Read on to find out more!
Our families are the most important thing in the world, so we want the best for them when it comes to health and well-being. The last thing we want is to put them under undue mental stress when it comes to oral care. If your family associates a trip to the dentist as something to avoid, their dental health and quality of life may suffer.
Having access to dental care without the anxiety and stress usually associated with it is a huge relief. This means building trust and appreciation for a particular dentistry practice and the people who work there. A great dentist isn’t only highly capable in the execution of their work, but personable and agreeable, too.
A genuine smile goes a long way when it comes to putting fears to rest. The idea of someone with a curt demeanor and standoffish attitude digging around in your mouth doesn’t exactly foster feelings of comfort and well-being. An excellent bedside manner is the most important prospect to look for when considering the best dentist for your family.
So, how do you choose?
Choosing correctly could mean stress-free visits to the dentist for you and your family for years to come! With a little luck, you’ll be able to find a particular dentist you like and request them by name for each visit. This way you can develop a more personal relationship that will ensure the standard of care you’re looking for.
Before visiting in person it’s a good idea to ask around. Friends and family are a perfect place to start, as they'll usually have a strong opinion on their last dentist visit. If you hear a few negative stories concerning a particular practice it might be worth giving them a wide berth.
On the other hand, if you’re hearing only good things about a practice you should take note. Dentists who know their job well and are also kind and considerate will be in high demand, and for good reason!
Have a look online and start with the dental surgeries that are closest to you. The perfect find is a practice with fantastic reviews that’s also nearby. It might be possible to find a great dentistry service easily, but if it’s too far away it might be worth reconsidering.
Carefully search through all the reviews available on their website and compare what people are saying to your wants and needs. If you like the sound of one in particular, give them a call, and don’t be afraid to ask all the relevant questions. The way you're treated on the phone by the receptionist staff will speak volumes about the practice in general.
Enquire after their opening hours and the services they have available. Dentistry is a profession that’s making leaps and bounds in terms of technological advancements. If you’re looking for a particular service, make sure they’re familiar with it before making your decision or you could be disappointed!
One of the most important factors of any family dentist is how experienced they are working with children. Tell the practice while you’re asking questions about any children you might have and how old they are. Many lifelong fears concerning trips to the dentist start from a young age and persist long into later life due to needlessly traumatic experiences.
Listen carefully to what they say and if they seem confident and comfortable with the idea of working with children this is usually a green flag. Any dentist who can work proficiently with children is sure to be more than capable with any adult! If your child is already wary of the thought of having their teeth worked on, be sure to let them know.
Many dentists have considerable experience working with children and have an excellent manner of dealing with them in particular. The experience is a daunting one for young people and their anxiety often comes from a lack of communication during the procedure. Finding a dentist who’s happy to explain what’s about to happen as it happens goes a long way to putting their minds at ease.
With family in mind, trust your gut. All the positive reviews in the world won’t mean a thing if something doesn’t feel right. Conversely, if you speak to a local dentistry practice and get nothing but good vibes from them, trust in those feelings too!
If you’re looking for a family dentist you can rely on, give us a call. We’re confident we can answer all your questions and provide the professional experience you’re looking for!
