The Qualities a Good Dentist Should Have

It’s no challenge to find a dentist. Just pop open the phone book, head to those yellow pages in the back, and take a look. You’ll find a ton, depending on where you live. But those ads and listings really won’t tell you what you need to know. They won’t tell you if this guy is better than that guy, or even what “better” might mean under these circumstances. After all, they’ve all been to dental school so we can assume they are all at least competent, right? Well, maybe or maybe not. Regardless, don’t you want to go see someone who is more than just “competent”? Of course you do. Here are some qualities to look for in a great dentist.

A great dentist should have higher standards and a pursuit of excellence in every area of their practice. You want to go into the office and see a professional who is doing their best to stay up on the latest advancements in technique and technology, is committed to taking time with each of their patients, provides a fun and relaxing atmosphere, and is thorough and professional in the job they do. If you are seeing someone who always seems to be waiting for tee time or trying to rush you through to get to the next patient, have you ever wondered if maybe you deserve a little more out of your appointments?

Whether they treat children, adults, or a combination, at least part of any good hygenist’s practice should be concerned with teaching their patients how to care for their teeth. After all, there’s only so much that can be done in the office every six months. They should be committed to spreading education about dental health and giving patients the tools and knowledge they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean in between visits. There is a lot of misinformation about dental health out there and it is his job to stomp out that misinformation among his patients.

Finally, a good dentist should provide a welcoming atmosphere where the patient feels as though they can ask about anything and not feel silly or rebuked. If you’ve ever had a dental professional laugh at your ideas about brushing with this herbal supplement or about your plans to have this procedure done, you should find someone else. Guidance should be provided and bad ideas should be discouraged, but never in a way that makes the patient feel stupid. Find someone who will hear you out and advise you on the correct course of action.