|
♦ |
Ask your previous dentist for a
referral (they may be able to suggest a
dentist in your new location). |
|
♦ |
Ask your friends and co-workers about
their own dentist. Do they like their
dentist? Why? Do they have a hygienist? Why?
Is their cleaning done by a hygienist? How
long is the cleaning appointment? Would they
recommend you go to their dentist? |
|
♦ |
Phone interview: Is the staff person
friendly, concerned and helpful? |
|
♦ |
Visit the office in person. Is it
clean and tidy? Is the staff friendly and
professional? Does it look modern and up to
date? Look at the dentist and the team
member's teeth! |
|
♦ |
Ask about a free consultation to meet the
dentist and hygienist. Tell them you are
looking for a new dental office and want to
check them out. Tell them other than getting
an estimate for an exam you do not expect
any work to be done at this appointment. A
good dental practice should be proud to show
you around their facility and to introduce
you to the staff members. Remember they want
to check you out too! |
|
♦ |
If
you are a new patient, the dentist should
give you a comprehensive exam and
design a treatment plan that is appropriate
for you based on the exam. Avoid a dental
practice where the dentist and staff seem
rushed, nervous, and unable to
communicate with you. |
|
♦ |
If
you want sedation or "gas" ask if
they have this available. |
|
♦ |
What the infection control procedures
used? |
|
♦ |
Review your impressions. Instinctively
you should be able to tell if you felt
comfortable with a dentist and his staff.
When in doubt try another office. |
|
♦ |
Select an office you will be happy
with and have the same mutual view
about how your dental care should be done. |
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