How to Find a Good Dental Office

There are those who know the importance of regular dental check-ups and make regular visits to the dental office and then there are those who ignore their teeth until something goes wrong, at which time they rush in agony to the nearest dentist. Those belonging to the first group are obviously at far lower risk of dental problems, but even for them, there is a factor that many tend to overlook. That is the question of how good their dentist and the dental treatment they receive is. If you are part of the first group, here is a brief guide to evaluating whether your dental clinic is right for you, and if you are part of the second group, what follows should help you become part of the first safer group.

Finding the Right Dentist for You

You and your dentist are long-term partners in the matter of your dental health. For that reason, a good place to start, would be your comfort level with the dentist. Dentists are people and they have their distinct personalities. Some are formal and business-like in the way they treat their patients and others are more relaxed and informal. Both approaches are good, so choose the one that you are comfortable with.

Being comfortable with the dentist is a starting point, but it is not enough. To be sure that the dentist/dental clinic and you are a good match, ask for answers to these questions:

• What are the working hours? Although you will not (hopefully) be a frequent visitor, a clinic with timings that suits your schedule is convenient.
• Can you contact them if there is a dental emergency in your family?You never know when one may occur. How do you contact the dentist?
• Is getting to the clinic from home, work or school convenient?
• What are the dentist's qualifications and how long has she been in practice?
• A dentist is expected to provide a full range of dental treatments and services, but there is no harm in confirming this.
• What is her approach to preventive dentistry? Is he/she prepared to go the extra mile while searching for potential problems with teeth and gums that appear to be healthy?

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Also Read: Gum Disease and Systemic Health

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• What happens if you need treatment and the dentist is out of town?
• Does the dentist participate in your health plan?
• What is the clinic itself like? Clean and tidy? Is there a waiting room?
• When you ask questions, does the dentist provide clear detailed answers? This is important because clear communication between you and your dentist is essential.

Knowing where to go for preventive dentistry can greatly reduce the chances of needing treatment for a dental condition. If one should arise, knowing exactly where to go can save you a lot of wasted time and discomfort. The sooner a dental problem is treated, the faster the recovery. Search among San Jose dental specialists to find one that is right for you. Contact us at 408-725-1536 or email us at info@hillsdentalgroup.com if you need help.