Unusual Dentists

Dentists are highly trained oral health care professionals that take care of our teeth. Some are a bit more unusual than the average professional. What makes these practitioners somewhat unique or out-of the-ordinary? Here are some things to think about.

Most American trained DDS’s offices provide a similar experience to their patients. The lobby, waiting room and examining rooms are tidy and sterile smelling. Dental tools are laid out on a paper towel on a silver tray. The chair is comfy and reclines so that the work can be done with ease for both medical staff and the patients. A reception area often has a cheerful staff member to greet and sign everyone in. Secretarial staff and files fill the backspace. X-ray machines hum in the background and there is a small sink chair-side to spit into. This is the norm but not every human on the planet has a similar experience. What are some of the more unusual practices like?

- Amusement park setting: In order to entice the younger crowd, some pediatric dentists decorate their offices to resemble an amusement park or video arcade. The outsides of the buildings are painted in bright tones and the insides are stocked with video games for the kids to play while waiting. Depending on the procedure, children may even be able to play in the chair. Murals are painted on ceilings and walls. Cool sunglasses are worn by patients and staff alike. Do the kids want to visit this place? They sure do.

- Upscale and high tech: Some cosmetic or orthodontist pros invest in some luxurious upscale technology such as big screen TVs for their patients to watch as well as to show photos of “before and after” possibilities. Want to REALLY see what the inside of your mouth does and can look like? Make an appointment with one of these big screen docs.

- Budget professionals: Want to save big bucks on having your teeth properly taken care of? There are DDS’s that offer alternative pricing for those patients who are on a restricted and limited budget. The dental college clinic where new practitioners are trained is one such option. The county health department also offers wonderfully low price options to keep choppers bright and functional. Some standard dentist offices do not take health insurance but instead offer lower prices for those who can pay cash.

- Going global: Dental pros in other countries may offer unusual aspects of service. In Mexico, for example, some cut-rate pricing is available for fillings, root canals and crowns. Some have their waiting rooms on the beach. In countries such as Thailand, there are streets full of vendors selling dentures. It is imperative to get word-of-mouth recommendations, however. Some out-of-country options are great while others aren’t.

There are many unusual dentists out in the world if people take a look around. Some of the more common services a DDS offers include cleaning, whitening, straightening, filling cavities, extractions, root canals and crowns. It is important that all individuals take good care of their teeth, no matter what their preferences, budgets or regions of residence.