Dental treatment, particularly with someone you don't know well, can be a scary thing. There are, no doubt, many reasons people fear dental treatment - but even if you are not a dental phobic, how do you know what to expect from a new dentist? Frankly, it can be a bit of a gamble.
Then there is the second question that lurks in the back of many people's minds: will my treatment be affordable? Finding an affordable dentist may seem like something of an oxymoron in today's times, but the simple reality is that not all dentists are alike. These differences range from cost, to technical ability, to communication skills.
It is also important to keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving. For example, I have had patients tell me of their experiences visiting high-profile offices with a beautiful d©cor and a great location, yet they had still been dissatisfied with their experience there. That doesn't mean that you can't get first-class treatment in a boutique-type practice. It's just that you may also get exceptional service and more reasonable prices with a local neighborhood dentist. Simply put, good or poor service can occur in either scenario. Affordable dental care is more likely to occur in the latter, however.
Neighbors, friends, and other professionals are usually a good resource when looking for a new practice. Ask them about their experiences. What is the doctor like? How long has he or she been in practice? What is the staff like? How helpful are they in assisting you with insurance, financing, and other concerns? Is the office clean? Does it run pretty much on time? All of these factors can influence your experience.
Getting the best dental care, however, is ultimately a team effort. The team consists of you and the treating doctor. Having a doctor who listens and understands your needs and desires is critical. Probably the number one reason I have been able to determine as to why patients have been unhappy with previous dentists has to do with one simple factor. They didn't feel the doctor understood, or was willing to take the time to understand their needs, wants and concerns.
That having been said, you do have to put some faith in the doctor's judgment as well. For example, as a dentist, I have had people ask me to do things that made no sense whatsoever. Not common, perhaps, but if you are in practice long enough it is bound to happen. The bottom line, though, is that unless someone is really out of touch with reality, they can be enlightened to a point where a more educated (and healthy) choice can be made.
So what do you do if you still don't feel as if you are being understood? Don't give up. Communicate what is on your mind. Be certain that your point is made - and comprehended. Have a clear idea of your goals before you start treatment. A good dentist will also have a clear vision of what is possible for you. In most cases, several treatment approaches may exist. These can differ in terms of complexity, time, convenience, and cost. Ask plenty of questions. With a team approach, in the end, everyone should have the same goal in mind. A good team communicates well and that responsibility is carried by all parties.
Your first dental visit is often the best time to establish how well you communicate with your new dentist. It shouldn't take too long to achieve a good rapport. Remember, opening your mouth is important - not just so that it can be worked on - but so that you can get the best result possible for your situation.
Then there is the second question that lurks in the back of many people's minds: will my treatment be affordable? Finding an affordable dentist may seem like something of an oxymoron in today's times, but the simple reality is that not all dentists are alike. These differences range from cost, to technical ability, to communication skills.
It is also important to keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving. For example, I have had patients tell me of their experiences visiting high-profile offices with a beautiful d©cor and a great location, yet they had still been dissatisfied with their experience there. That doesn't mean that you can't get first-class treatment in a boutique-type practice. It's just that you may also get exceptional service and more reasonable prices with a local neighborhood dentist. Simply put, good or poor service can occur in either scenario. Affordable dental care is more likely to occur in the latter, however.
Neighbors, friends, and other professionals are usually a good resource when looking for a new practice. Ask them about their experiences. What is the doctor like? How long has he or she been in practice? What is the staff like? How helpful are they in assisting you with insurance, financing, and other concerns? Is the office clean? Does it run pretty much on time? All of these factors can influence your experience.
Getting the best dental care, however, is ultimately a team effort. The team consists of you and the treating doctor. Having a doctor who listens and understands your needs and desires is critical. Probably the number one reason I have been able to determine as to why patients have been unhappy with previous dentists has to do with one simple factor. They didn't feel the doctor understood, or was willing to take the time to understand their needs, wants and concerns.
That having been said, you do have to put some faith in the doctor's judgment as well. For example, as a dentist, I have had people ask me to do things that made no sense whatsoever. Not common, perhaps, but if you are in practice long enough it is bound to happen. The bottom line, though, is that unless someone is really out of touch with reality, they can be enlightened to a point where a more educated (and healthy) choice can be made.
So what do you do if you still don't feel as if you are being understood? Don't give up. Communicate what is on your mind. Be certain that your point is made - and comprehended. Have a clear idea of your goals before you start treatment. A good dentist will also have a clear vision of what is possible for you. In most cases, several treatment approaches may exist. These can differ in terms of complexity, time, convenience, and cost. Ask plenty of questions. With a team approach, in the end, everyone should have the same goal in mind. A good team communicates well and that responsibility is carried by all parties.
Your first dental visit is often the best time to establish how well you communicate with your new dentist. It shouldn't take too long to achieve a good rapport. Remember, opening your mouth is important - not just so that it can be worked on - but so that you can get the best result possible for your situation.