When you’re looking for a dental practice, you may not have a very long wishlist, but finding the correct match might not be as easy as swiping right or left like on a dating site. In fact, you may simply look for a recommendation on a search engine and go with the top result. While this may be a fruitful method, having more discerning criteria of what you’re looking for in a dentist is perhaps a better method.
If you want to find your match, there are several things to consider. Firstly, location, location, location! If you want a dentist Harley Street, for example, then you should narrow your search to this area. Consider whether or not the practice has parking or if it is near local transport routes. You may also wish to consider whether or not it’s close to home or your workplace, depending on when you would be visiting the dentist. Popping in to visit the dentist during a break from work would mean that you’d need the practice close to where you work.
Another consideration that may be important to you is finding out what range of treatments they have on offer. If you simply want general dentistry, this search won’t rule out any dentists! However, if you are looking for a dentist who offers a more specific treatment like dental implants, then you can start whittling the list down. And, don’t forget, even though you may not currently require a procedure like implants, you may need them in the future and so choosing a dentist with a wider range of treatments may save you from further searches in the long run.
Some patients like to be aware of payment plans. Checking out what insurances are available or accepted at a dental practice can be a good move. You can also ask to see the price lists and inquire about whether or not they accept NHS patients; you can search for available NHS dental practices on the NHS website.
If you are a nervous patient, you may also like to find out how the practice you are considering deals with dental phobias. Many dental practices will offer to let you come and take a look around so that you can familiarise yourself with the environment before coming in for treatment. Whether you are anxious about visiting the dentist or not, it is certainly a good idea to go in and check out the team. Consider the sort of welcome you get from the reception staff. They are the front of house staff and set the tone for the service you are likely to have. A warm, friendly smile as you walk through the door will certainly make you feel more willing to hang around than being ignored for 10 minutes!
Another important part of your research can be to ask friends, family or work colleagues where they go to. If you love their smile, they may be the right people to ask for trustworthy recommendations, although you can also research other testimonies on the dental practices’ websites.
Meet up
Once you think you have a suitable match, you need to meet your dentist. Many dental practices offer initial consultations so, you can go and have an examination and discuss any concerns you have about your smile and possible treatments with your dentist. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your dentist and start building that important relationship of trust. This will put you on the path to getting the smile you deserve after putting in the effort to find the right dental practice for you. So, get the date in the diary and meet your new dentist!