In finding a new dentist, what questions would you want to ask about the new office?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$3 Answers
* how long he's been in the area - this is a good question to ask because finding a good dentist is something you don't want to have to do all that often. Is the dentist going to move next year? Is he based in the local area?
* the type of clients - for example I find my denist's office filled with elderly people, children and families. I know then that he works with lots of different people and if he works with elderly and young patients he is gentle and relaxing.
* when the surgery is open - ie he is available for emergency work before and after Christmas Day. He will try to fit you in if you are in pain, regadless of making an appointment weeks in advance.
* the average price of a consultation - my dentist gives discounts if you are a regular customer having difficulties paying. He will also organise payment plans if required.
* the type of work he does - my dentist makes fake teeth, fixes dentures, does long and short consultations and does cleaning and checking. He is not a dental surgeon but he has very good associations with surgeons who he trusts ( if he trusts them I trust them )
So, after going through this list, I'd ask questions based on these types of things. I think knowing this type of info will help you find a good dentist but I have to say...the best advice is a personal recommendation from someone else. I was very lucky to find my dentist by walking in one day, but since then I've tried a few others when I moved but have always gone back to him.
I hope my answer helps.
personal experience
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Great answer @kty2777!
Also @kkliman - just make sure to ask a dentist that you need when you're in the chair - what areas he does and does not cover. Many dentists will focus on a small area of treatment and that will be his 'expertise'. Just make sure that he offers the basics that anyone would want from a dentist. (enough hours of hygiene available to schedule, basic fillings, crowns and small bridge work) Many general practicing dentists don't do root canal work. I would personally suggest that if you need a root canal, that you find someone who specializes in it.
this is a great answer, so i'll just add ... whether or not the dentist offers nitrous oxide can be an important factor for some people (me, for instance). the ability to disassociate from procedures can make or break a scaredy cat's willingness to have them.
some dentists will only allow it for major procedures, but some are more lenient...my dentist is lenient, and when i go the nitrous oxide comes first (even when it's just a routine cleaning) and he honors my request to never see any tools or hear graphic descriptions of the procedure. i'm okay as long as i have the light feeling of disconnect the nitrous provides, and don't see or hear anything that causes me to create frightening mental pictures.