Of all the adult things we need to do during the course of our lives, going to the dentist is one of the most dreaded of all.
Even after insurance reimburses you, it can cost a pretty penny for anything outside of teeth cleanings, and with the sterile atmosphere, drills, and general sense of unease, it’s important you leave dental tasks in the hands of someone you can trust.
Dr. Kami Hoss has maintained a commitment to excellence over the years, and he has bee rewarded with a cast of regular clients who come back on a regular basis for everything from cleanings to root canals.
What should you look for when searching for a new dentist? This post will cover everything you need to know to find someone who will take good care of your mouth.
1) State of the art equipment
Like everything other field in today’s world, technology is transforming the way we do things. Dentistry is no different, as new equipment released in recent years is allowing dentists to do their jobs much more effectively.
Accordingly, you should do research about the latest developments in the field, and then ask prospective dentists whether they have the latest equipment.
The best dentists might not have state of the art everything, but if they do, it is a good first sign they are committed to excellence.
2) A commitment to ongoing education
A dentist could have all the latest gear, but if they haven’t been keeping up with the latest developments in dentistry and re-training on a regular basis, that means little.
Like any field, knowledge is never static, so it is important to have a finger on its pulse so you don’t get left behind.
If your dentist shows signs they have been coasting since they got their DDS more than a decade ago, you might want to move along in your search for a regular dentist.
3) Someone who cares
Some dentists get into the field because they want to help people maintain their oral health – others do it because they are chasing dollar signs.
When you are in the process of evaluating dentists and their staff, really pay attention to how they engage with you.
If they go out of their way to ask detailed questions about your past dental history, what you do in the course of your daily life (e.g. play contact sports), and about any ongoing issues that affect you, then chances are good they are genuinely interested in your dental health.
If they only say things with the aim of getting you to book a session, they just want your money, and because of this, they might not place a high enough emphasis on the quality of the service they deliver to you.
4) A professional looking office
Expertise, dental equipment, and attitude are all important factors, but also pay attention to how they maintain and run their office.
How one does something is generally how they do everything, so if the office seems to be run down and there are signs they are disorganized, chances are your experience in the dentist’s chair will be a disappointing one.