DRILL YOUR DENTIST!

How do you choose a dentist? Probably one of the best ways is through recommendation. Nevertheless it's useful to have some benchmark criteria. Dentecom has compiled the list below, to help patients make the right choice.
When you use the dental directory, speak to the dentist about the issues raised in this list, the dentist will be only too pleased to talk things through with you. Dentists can only provide the best service for patients if patients are able to feel at ease and communicate freely, Dentecom believes it can help achieve that.

BEFORE SELECTING A NEW DENTIST ASK;

1. Is it the dentist's normal procedure to telephone and check up on your progress a day after a surgical procedure?
2. Does the dentist's surgery normally run on time?
3. Will the dentist always explain the treatment plan to you, before doing any work?
4. Will the dentist tell you about an alternative treatment plan , if finance is a concern?
5. Does the dentist have a commitment to continuing education and is he/she up to date with all the latest advances in dentistry?
6. Tell the dentist if you are taking any medication, does he know if other drugs may react with your medication.
7. Is there an emergency telephone number and service?
8. Ask about the nursing staff, how long have they been employed there. It's nice to see the same faces when you and your family visit the surgery.
9. Is there a hygienist at the practice?
10. When you have spoken about the above matters does the dentist make you feel confident about his skills. Do you feel he has an approachable manner and that he listens to you.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR PRESENT DENTIST?

It's difficult to assess your dentist's clinical judgement. Unless of course you have any reason not to be satisfied with your treatment in which case you may want to obtain a second opinion.
You can however review the way your surgery provides its service;

YOUR DENTIST SHOULD NOT;

1. Charge you for treatment that needs to be repeated within a year.
2. Begin any treatment without properly discussing the treatment plan with you, and explaining the procedure.
3. Charge you for a cancellation unless it is practice policy and that has been explained to you. However, please be courteous to your dentist and let him know in good time if you are unable to attend for an appointment. This allows other patients to use your appointment, and avoids a waste of surgery resources.

A good dentist will do his best to secure the following benefits for his patients;

1. Freedom from infection and pain. Infection is often the cause of pain associated with abscessed teeth, root canal problems, and other symptoms of dental pathology. Proper dental care will help prevent these problems, and will treat any unavoidable problems.
2. The ability to chew food comfortably. Some patients suffer from dental problems associated with their jaws and the muscles in their mouth. As a result chewing food can be painful. The dentist can investigate these problems, diagnose the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment.
3. A dentist can improve a patient's speech capabilities through tooth repair, braces and the straightening of teeth.
4. And finally but not least importantly the dentist can use the latest techniques and materials to dramatically improve the appearance of teeth. This improves a patient's self-confidence and sense of wellbeing.

DENTAL SPECIALIST SERVICES AVAILABLE

The General Dental Practitioner (GDP) is skilled and qualified to provide a range of dental treatments. Additionally there are specialists who are able to undertake more complex specialised treatments in specific areas of dental health. Your GDP can sometimes also provide specialist treatment, however at times may prefer to refer particular treatments. The specialist services available are as listed below:

Orthodontist: Provides diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental irregularities. Orthodontists use fixed and removable appliances (braces) to straighten or align the teeth. An orthodontist can provide treatment in the NHS or as a private practitioner.
Endodontist: Provides diagnosis and treatment of Root Canals. This involves the removal of the nerve inside the tooth that is causing the problem, cleaning and filling the root canal.
Periodontist: Provides diagnosis, prevention and treatment for periodontal problems (gum Disease).
Prosthodontist: Also known as Restorative dentists provide diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the dentition by using Dentures, Crowns and Bridges.
Oral Surgeon: Provide diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Oral Pathology. Oral surgeons specialise in all dental surgical procedures including wisdom teeth removal, apicectomies (minor oral surgery), treatment of cysts and other dental pathology.
Paediatric Dentist: Specialist in providing diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental disease in children.

All of the services listed are available both in the National Health Service and in Private Practice.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A DENTIST!