What makes a good family dentist? Many people will have the misfortune at some time to experience less-than-perfect service from their local dentist. Perhaps you have had to endure a disinterested receptionist or a dentist who seemed unsympathetic or who rushed the examination? If you have had experiences like these, don't let them put you off visiting the dentist or bringing your children to the dental surgery regularly. It is possible to find good family dentists in your local area; you just have to know what to look for during a search.
Can you ask your family?
Nothing really beats a personal recommendation. If you have friends or family living near you, then asking them whether they would be happy to recommend their dentist can often be the best way to ensure you find a great dentist. Concentrate on those families which are similar to yours, or whose parents have similar service expectations. If they are fully satisfied with the service they are receiving, then it's probable that you will be happy as well.
Check out the online reviews
If you are moving to an area where you don't know anyone, rather than starting your search by driving around looking at local dentists, you can begin by examining their online reviews. This will enable you to quickly eliminate all the family dentists who are obviously a poor fit and reserve your time for those family dentists who appear to be a good match for your family.
What's the atmosphere like?
Once you have a list of family dentists who appear to be suitable for your family it's time to visit each one and discover whether the reality lives up to the promise. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere when you arrive. Does the surgery feel welcoming? Are there happy families present or does everyone appear subdued, anxious and afraid to talk? Does the waiting room appear bright and welcoming? Are there any activities available for children to enjoy before it is their turn to see the dentist?
What is the availability of the dentist?
Family life can be busy and fitting in visits to the dentist isn't easy when you need to juggle your time between work, school and a range of competing social activities. Family dentists need to be open at times that suit your lifestyle. Find out about the earliest and latest times you can make appointments during the week. Are they also open in the evenings and on weekends? No-one should need to take time off work to visit the dentist for a routine check-up. Asking questions like these will help you find the perfect dentist for your family.
Share23 May 2019
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
