How to find a good dental surgeon

Often dental problems may not give you enough time to choose a dentist. Acute dental troubles mostly grip a person with such suddenness that at times one may have to leave a theatre in the middle of a film and enter the first available dentist’s clinic.

In case one does have time at his hands to choose a dental surgeon, references abound in the local directories, published pages for services available in most areas and, of course, the internet. As a general rule one should exercise some caution in accepting what all is highlighted in such ads at their face value.

In fact, one would be well advised to observe extra care with ads that quite apparently seem flashy colourful and boastful. These are usually inserted by dental practitioners who are in the early stages of their career and need to attract more and more patients. Very often, in reality, they are found to not having enough experience.

Keeping in mind the above points, a planned approach as under can be evolved which should serve the purpose.

To shortlist the names and contact details: Well-known search engines on internet provide perhaps the best resource. For certain regions, however, these may not throw up enough references. In such an eventuality, local publications such as telephone/ business directories, classified ads in newspapers/magazines and handouts found stacked at department stores/chemists, would very often be of help.

Culling out useful information: The references found from any of the above sources should be carefully studied with emphasis on medical qualifications of the dental surgeon, his experience and time since when his clinic has been functional.

Avoiding the temptation being drawn towards extra-large, flashy inserts: Even if advertising themselves in case of dental surgeons has been accepted, simple ads with relevant information without unnecessary decorations demonstrate sincerity of approach.

No substitute to personal enquiries:  The importance of comments from professional colleagues, friends and known neighbours should be taken as an important tip.

Exploratory visit:  It is always worth to meet the surgeon after due appointment, who after the above efforts appears to satisfy the basic criteria and have an open discussion with him about the facilities available at his/her clinic and the cost of procedures for your specific dental problem. It is quite probable that the surgeon speaks about his memberships and any rating that he is accredited with. The certificates relating to the surgeon’s special qualifications/excellence on display too will help.