Three Things to Look for When Choosing a New Dentist

Choosing a new dentist can be difficult, whether you're moving to a new city or simply feel like having a change. However, as described below, there are a few key things you should be looking for to make your decision easier.

Excellent Reviews and Testimonials 

When looking for a new dentist, you may want to spend some time looking at online reviews. Any dentist you're considering will have Google reviews, as well as ones on industry-specific sites. Don't just look at the star rating, though — take a deep dive into the reviews. Are there any specific comments that keep coming up? Does a particularly amazing member of staff get mentioned a lot? You should also look at the bad reviews, as they may not apply to your situation. For example, if a lot of the negative reviews mention cosmetic dentistry and that's not something you need, you might decide to ignore them. Finally, filter the reviews to find ones that match your experience — for example, ones by other parents, nervous patients, or people with braces.

Suitability for Your Whole Family

You should also make sure that any practice you're considering is suitable for your whole family. For example, you may have children, so you might want to make sure there is an in-house paediatric dentist. Your partner may be nervous or have dental anxiety, so you could make sure the dentist can make provisions for them, such as the dental sedation, calming music, or numbing that Bupa suggests. You might be considering adult braces, so you could look for somewhere that can offer that service. Whatever your family's needs, ensure they can all be taken care of.

A Warm, Welcoming Feel

Finally, it's a good idea to visit a dental practice in person and get an idea of the vibe. Do you feel welcome when you walk in and is the reception or waiting area a pleasant place to be? If you're able to speak to the staff, are they friendly and helpful? You could also ask to speak to the dentists at the practice. It's important to choose a dentist who makes you feel safe, and you should feel comfortable asking questions about your teeth.

 By looking out for great reviews, a range of services that suit every member of your family, and a welcoming feel, you can choose a dentist that will provide a great experience.