 If you were to make a list of common but irrational fears, the top three might be spiders, needles, and going to the dentist. Now logically this list may not make much sense as spiders are usually harmless, needles are used to save lives, and dental care is crucial to good oral and overall health. I have heard stories of people and their experiences with dental care which lead me to believe these fears are completely rational. I have heard of dentists who do not explain the procedure and just start drilling, patients who see a new dentist for every visit, and dentists who are so focused on efficiency that the patient’s comfort is not considered. It makes sense why people may be fearful of going to a callous, cold, or inconsistent dentist. For patients who worry about poor quality dental care it is completely logical to be afraid of going to the dentist.
Conversely I enjoy going to my visits to the dentist. Instead of fear for going to the dentist, I fear missing an appointment. The only difference between the “dental-phobic” and the “dental-philic” (like me) is the experience each has as a patient. For anyone unhappy with the dental care they are receiving, I suggesting looking for a dentist with the following important qualities. Finding the right guy or gal to care for you may be a turning point in your oral health care journey. 1. Consistency As a patient it is absolutely imperative that you see the same doctor at every visit. Some practices will have an assortment of dentists hired on a salary basis. Seeing multiple dentists improves the chance that there is a miscommunication or error in translation between each doctor. A misunderstanding of a treatment plan can have adverse effects for a patient. In addition seeing a new doctor at every visit adds to the anxiety that a patient will feel during a visit. It is much better to develop a good relationship with a single dentist who understands your medical situation completely. I suggest either attending a practice with a single dentist or checking with a larger group to see if they rotate doctors depending on a schedule. 2. Availability Almost everyone has a busy and constantly changing schedule. It can be challenging to fit a dental appointment into an already busy schedule. The challenge compounds when the dental practice does not have flexibility in scheduling. Patients at many practices are forced to set appointments many months in advance and pressured to stick to that time even when their schedule starts to fill up. It’s critical that a practice allows patients to set appointments at times that work for them. I personally struggle with this problem as I don’t often know when I will be free to go to an appointment. Offices with friendly and receptive patient coordinators can handle changes in a schedule and accomodate the needs of their patients. Look for employees who answer the phone with a kind and upbeat voice who are looking to serve you. Some offices may allow you to schedule online, or at least request appointments. 3. Pain Free This is the issue which may be considered the most fear inducing. When a dentist performs a procedure, no discomfort or pain should be felt. There is no excuse for a dentist to continuing to perform procedures while you are in pain. While researching dental practices, check ratings and reviews of doctors at the practice to see what other patient’s experiences are. If reviews claim that the dentist works forcefully or disregards the comfort of the patient, it may be a good idea to steer clear. In addition prior to having a procedure always ask what type of anesthetic will be used. For some minor procedures some dentists will make the choice to withhold anesthetic. If you are known for having sensitivity of the teeth or would just feel more comfortable with a pain reliever be sure to ask your dentist. Most dentists have multiple forms of local anesthetic with different times of onset, and duration of action. In addition if you ever feel discomfort or need a break during a procedure make sure to let the doctor know. Kind dentists will understand your concerns and cater to your needs. 4. Affordability The issue of affordability is a pressing concern for many patients. Some patients who already may be afraid of going to the dentist stay away because of the financial implications. Health care in general is known for being expensive, and dental care is no exception. For many cost is a limiting factor to getting high quality oral health care. Patients unable to find a dentist who is able to accommodate their financial limitations turn to lower quality alternatives. This is not an ideal solution because of the long term impact of using a lower quality alternative. A poorly performed procedure can be ineffective, temporary, or possibly harmful to your oral health. Instead I would suggest researching financing programs available to patients at dental offices. Some dental practices have discount programs which lower the cost of procedures. Additionally many offer financing programs which allow payments to be made over a longer period of time which is less financially burdensome for patients. If you do not have health insurance the financial problems are compounded. Not only are you completely responsible for paying all bills and fees, but you are actually penalized by being charged a higher rate for procedures than insurance patients are entitled to.. If this describes your situation there is some good news you can take solace in, some practices have a policy which matches the insurance rate for procedures. If a practice has this policy you are not penalized for not having insurance. Overall I would suggesting looking for excellent care with programs that address the financial needs of the patient. If lower quality alternatives are chosen, the problems could persist costing the patient more in the long run. Those who may be afraid of going to the dentist should know this, going in for cleanings decreases the chance you will have serious dental issues which require in-depth procedure. In other words if you go to see your dentist regularly, you won’t have to have expensive and invasive procedures. 5. Personality The personality of a dentist is another important characteristic to monitor. When looking for a quality dentist you should look for someone who treats patients with respect and kindness. As a patient you should feel like your dentist actually cares about you as a person and wants to give you the best oral health. It will benefit you to find a kind, personable dentist who is willing to explain procedures and give you some discretion with health choices. In addition it would be ideal to find someone who puts you at ease during procedures. I know that I personally feel much more relaxed after speaking with my dentist before he starts a procedure. I am sure I would have more anxiety before a procedure if my dentist had a cold personality. I would have a negative experience if the dentist started working before explaining the issue and his method of treatment. For someone who has a pre-existing fear of going to the dentist, these actions may scare the patient from continuing their care. If you are worried about getting dental treatment or in general think your dental experience can improve I would suggest looking for a dental practice with some of characteristics I find important. Of course some may find other characteristics more important and instead find dental practices emphasizing other qualities, but my positive dental experiences can directly be linked to the previously mentioned qualities. I find that my dentist, Dr. David Cappuccio, fulfills the qualities I look for in a dentist and does a great job of truly caring for me. He and his team at Seneca Ridge Dental are committed to serving the needs of their patients. To anyone afraid of going to the dentist, I would say do not lose hope. Maybe you simply need a change to a dentist who will prioritize your specific needs and address your concerns with honesty and compassion.
68 Comments
6/6/2019 02:25:36 pm
Thanks for explaining that good dental practices will let patients set appointment times that work with our schedules. My husband and I will be moving soon and will need to find a new dentist to go to for our regular cleanings. I'm glad I read your article because now I know what qualities to look for as we evaluate dental practices. 8/6/2019 02:53:48 pm
I thought you made an interesting point when you talked about how it is important to find a dentist that will treat you are your family with kindness and respect. It wouldn't be very reassuring to have a dentist that didn't like his job and took it out on you. This information you shared will be useful as I look for a good family dentist. 8/19/2019 03:03:21 pm
Thank you for tips on choosing a dentist. I found it helpful when you said that seeing the same dentist cuts down on miscommunication that might happen if you see multiple dentists at the same office. In general, I think most people would prefer building a relationship with one dentist. 10/9/2019 07:44:52 pm
My aunt is looking to find a new dentist for her kids. making sure that she gets a professional could be really nice. It was interesting to see what she should look for in a dental experience. Thank you for reminding me about the importance of checking the ratings and reviews of a dentist when researching dental practices. I just moved to this town and I want to get a whitening soon, so your tips were definitely helpful. I'll also try and find a dentist with a nice personality just as you suggested! OK its fine, but a couple of my teeth have been aching for the past couple of days but I'm worried because I work too much during the week to go see a dentist. I will be sure to look for practices in my area that can see me at a convenient time so that I don't have to miss work. 10/17/2019 01:47:38 pm
I think it's time that I visit a dentist. I like how you mention that when searching for dentist check ratings and reviews of other patient’s experiences. Thank you for the advice. I'll make sure to look out for these details when searching for a dentist.
Great tips, I would like to add few more as being working with dental clinic these will help the user to identify the right clinic for you and your family. 11/4/2019 03:00:15 pm
Thanks for highlighting that it is critical for dentists to allow patients to set appointments at times that work for them. A couple of my teeth have been aching for the past couple of days but I'm worried because I work too much during the week to go see a dentist. I will be sure to look for practices in my area that can see me at a convenient time so that I don't have to miss work. 11/12/2019 11:20:55 am
Thanks for the advice to look for front desk employees who courteously answer the phone and answer your queries. This is a good sign of a dental clinic that can accommodate a changing schedule for an appointment. Since I'm a busy person, it'll really help a lot if the clinic that I need to go to has a welcoming environment. It's been weeks since I experienced bleeding gums, so I can't wait to find a dental clinic with affordable rates as well. 11/13/2019 11:18:52 pm
I preferably look for front desk employees who courteously answer the phone and answer your queries. A friendly and a quality dentist should treats patients with respect and kindness. And most especially when a dentist performs a procedure. No discomfort or pain should be felt.. 11/18/2019 07:16:59 am
if the procedure is pain-free other things will follow for sure. my concern is not to get hurt #anxiety ; () 11/19/2019 12:11:02 am
I'm looking for a great dental service. An accommodating and friendly receptionist. A doctors experience and history. And a the affordability despite of the financial implications. 11/25/2019 09:37:16 pm
You made a great point about looking for consistency and how it can help reduce the risk of miscommunication or error. My husband and I just moved to Chesterfield, MO, and we are looking for a new dentist since we moved pretty far from our old one. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional that fits our needs. 12/3/2019 02:54:17 am
If people that write articles cared more about writing great material like you, more readers would read their content. It's refreshing to find such original content in an otherwise copy-cat world. Thank you so much. It was so interesting that this article mentioned that for a lot of people, the cost and the price of your service might limit you from getting the best possible quality oral health care. My sister called me the other day and told me that now that she is moving closer to me, she needs to find a dentist for her family. In my opinion, she should look online and figure out what dentist in the city her insurance could help her with. 12/10/2019 10:17:32 am
I like what you said about making sure that you can see the same dentist every visit to avoid the risk of miscommunication. My sister has been telling me about how she has to move soon, and she wants to make sure that she can still get the dental care that she needs in a new town. I'll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for a dentist that will be able to help her consistently. 2/26/2020 03:57:08 pm
It caught my attention when you said that good dental offices need to have patient coordinators who are friendly and willing to work around changes in our schedule. I need to help my husband find a good dentist in our area because he lost one of his teeth in a sports accident over the weekend and needs an implant. Thanks for teaching me what qualities to look for to properly evaluate potential dental services to use! 3/2/2020 03:34:33 pm
I was eating dinner last night and I noticed a lot of pain in my teeth when I was chewing and even drinking a cold beverage. I haven't been to the dentist in at least five years, and I think that I might have a few cavities. You make a great point that I should look for a dentist who provides anesthetics for the procedures I need because this will give me peace of mind! 3/3/2020 09:58:32 am
I like how you said it's important to develop a solid relationship with one dentist and to find places that work with patients on finding good appointment times. My husband, our two kids, and I just moved to Boerne, TX and are looking for a new family dentist. I'll have to use these tips to help aid in my search for one. 3/23/2020 01:53:55 pm
I woke up the middle of the night last night with a toothache, and it has gotten worse today. I am thinking about going to see a dentist to figure out what the issue is and stop the pain as soon as possible! It makes sense that you say to look for a dentist who has flexible scheduling and is accommodating because I have a very crazy work schedule. 3/24/2020 09:34:10 pm
Thank you for suggesting that I should check the reviews and ratings that my chosen dentist had received from their previous clients to see how did their experience go. I'm trying to see if I could have mini dental implants to fill the small gap I have near my molars and I don't want to experience pain during this visit. I hope I'll be able to find a good dental clinic I can trust near my area. 5/14/2020 09:50:30 am
I agree with you that having a dentist that works carefully with their patients to provide minimal pain is very important. My son is very afraid of pain and because of that, I haven't been able to bring him to a dentist at all. He just had a toothache this morning and I think it's time I bring him to a dental checkup that's long due. Hopefully, I can find a dentist that can lessen his fear of dental checkups so that he can take care of his teeth. 6/15/2020 12:11:44 pm
Thanks for the advice to see the same dentist every time you go. They'll know more about your oral health than other dentists. If you switch around, you'll have to go through all of the same basic information and procedures so the new dentist can get to know you. 6/24/2020 01:46:52 pm
Thanks for explaining that it'll be easier for everyone to go to a dental appointment if we are all seeing the same dentist. I agree that this way, everyone could get seen within the same window. I wonder if there is a family dentist near both my husband's work and children's school. 7/7/2020 06:39:14 pm
I loved that you mentioned you need to consider having a regular doctor to visit to prevent miscommunication problems. My husband and I are thinking about how to improve our dental health, and we are looking for advice to choose a dentist. I will make sure to find a dentist and stay with him to achieve better dental health. 7/21/2020 01:49:17 am
I completely agree with the thoughts of the writer which are elaborated in this article. We must surely consider all the 5 essential points of this article for getting the right and effective dental experience. 8/17/2020 02:39:07 pm
I liked what you said about how scheduling should be flexible and set appointments when it works for them and they should have multiple ways to make appointments. My brother wants to make sure that he can get to the dentist on time and be a lot safer and make sure that he can be safer with his cleanings. Getting some help from a professional could be really useful and allow him to help his kids have better oral health. 8/21/2020 08:37:26 am
As you mentioned, it is a good thing to be able to feel comfortable when at the dentist. My uncle was telling me the other day that he is looking for a new dentist, as his just retired. I will have to share this article with him, and see if it helps in his decision making. 9/30/2020 02:24:32 pm
I like the idea of being able to schedule a dental appointment online. I hate talking on the phone and I always forget to put it in my calendar. I want to feel comfortable when I make an appointment. 12/18/2020 05:57:31 am
Thanks for sharing the useful information.Dental care is necessary for the healthy teeth. If anyone looking for the book appointment for dentist online TalkToMedic providing best Platform. 1/4/2021 03:18:11 pm
I liked how you made it clear that you should see the same dentist at every visit. They will remember you and your needs every time. If not, you'll have to remember your own information and pass it on. 1/12/2021 11:32:45 pm
I appreciate that this post pointed out that when choosing a dentist, it is important for us to ensure that they are qualified. It makes sense for us ensure they are qualified as it ensures that they are skilled. I will remember to look at their qualification when I seek a dental service. 1/26/2021 12:57:16 am
You made a good point when you shared that it is important to choose a reliable dentist who will understand your concerns and cater to your needs. My sister just mentioned the other day that she keeps on having toothache due to her sensitive teeth and she wants to seek treatment so she can recover as soon as possible. I will suggest to her looking for a reliable dentist who is able to understand her issues to help treat her problem. 2/3/2021 02:55:12 pm
I'm glad you mentioned a good dentist needs to be available for your appointments. My wife and I just moved into another town because of work, and the other day I felt a slight pain in the back of my mouth. I thought it was nothing, but it's coming back stronger, and I'm afraid it might be something serious. That's why I need to find a dentist as soon as possible, and I think your article will help me find one. I'm grateful for your tips about what to look for in a professional dentist. 2/5/2021 10:53:04 am
I need to have my teeth taken care of, but I'm not sure how to choose a dentist. It makes sense that I would want to find one that has a consistent schedule! That way, I can ensure that I can make regular visits. 2/15/2021 06:57:21 am
What a great source of knowledge upon the 5 things you should look for your dental experience in detail. I am really happy to come across this exceptionally well written content. I love this article, thanks for producing such great contents. I love your posts always. Thanks for sharing and look for more in future!!This Papakuradentalworld.co.nz is very useful and its related to what you have actually mentioned here. 3/22/2021 02:31:49 am
Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. its was really valuable. thanks a lot. 3/22/2021 06:54:20 am
If you are looking for a dentist near you, it's important to take time and do your research. In addition to the tips provided in this blog, you should find a dentist that makes you feel comfortable and is willing to listen to your concerns. If anyone is looking for a dentist in Burnaby, please feel free to contact us. 3/23/2021 12:47:32 am
Looking for a dental clinic near you? This blog provides various factors to consider when searching for a new dentist. It's important to find an office that is conveniently located and can accommodate your busy schedule. If anyone is looking for a dentist in Waterloo, please feel free to contact us! 4/5/2021 05:08:10 am
These are some great idea about 5 things to look for out of your dental experience that you have discussed here. I really loved it and thank you very much for sharing this with us. You have a great visualization and you have really presented this content in a really good manner. 4/17/2021 04:36:01 am
I’ve been surfing the web for more than an hour today, yet I was unable to find any stunning articles like this one. It’s alluringly worth it for me. Keep posting more such amazing blogs. 4/23/2021 03:29:05 pm
I agree with you that it is very important to find a dentist who treats their patients kindly and respectfully. My husband and I need to find a dentist for our whole family to go to this summer. We will make sure that we choose one that we feel is respectful and treats us and our kids very well. 5/3/2021 03:37:23 pm
I'm glad that you mention that it is a normal thing to be concerned about affordability in a dentist. I need to get my wisdom teeth out and don't currently have insurance. I will be sure to look for an affordable dentist that can take care of that for me soon! 9/10/2021 08:43:29 am
I too have a fear of missing an appointment. So I need to hire a dentist that will make me feel appreciated for always coming to appointments. I think that would help me in more ways than they could know. Thanks for pointing out that it is best to get dental services from one provider to avoid miscommunication or misinformation. I will follow your advice now that I will start getting my son checked for his oral health. It's because he has started eating candies lately, so I wanted to make sure that there are no cavities forming because of eating sweets occasionally. 12/8/2021 06:40:34 pm
I like how you mentioned that it is important to feel that the dentist prioritizes patient’s comfort. My sister mentioned to me last night that she is hoping to find a reliable dental clinic for her as she currently moved into town and asked if I have any idea what is the best option for her. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell her that it will be much better if she consults a trusted dental clinic as they can answer all her inquiries. 5/7/2022 03:58:54 am
It really helped when you said that we should ask for a pain reliever if we might easily get sensitive to pain. I will keep that in mind when I visit a family dentistry clinic this weekend. It's because my pain tolerance is low, so I might need that when I get a tooth removed because it is aching for the past two days now. 6/17/2022 03:41:21 pm
You made an interesting point when you mentioned that the personality of a dentist is an important characteristic to monitor. In addition to the dentist, I would think that it would be a good idea to make sure that you find a dentist that has friendly nurses. Friendly staff will make visiting a dentist much more comfortable. 8/2/2022 07:07:20 am
It made sense when you mentioned that misunderstanding a treatment plan is possible when seeing multiple dentists. That's probably why my friend wants to hire a private dentist. I should tell her to search for a clinic that provides private dentistry.
Rakesh Raj
8/30/2022 03:43:35 am
Informative content. Please visit <a href="http://ravisdentalcare.com/">Ravi's Dental care</a> for the latest dental treatments from the best dental clinic in Vizag. 9/6/2022 07:50:25 pm
I appreciate what you said about looking at financial payment plans to cover your dental needs. I need to get a surgeon to remove some molars. They are diseased. 10/3/2022 10:48:59 pm
Great read! These are important things to consider when going to a dentist. Going to the dentist shouldn't be scary right? 10/3/2022 11:18:30 pm
Thank you for this informative blog! This is really helpful. I agree with your point #2. Generally speaking, a lot of people are afraid to go to the dentist because of the pain. That's why it's important to look for a pain-free dental experience. Would you recommend sleep dentistry? 10/7/2022 08:41:46 pm
Your total health depends on the condition of your mouth. Make sure the dentist you are considering is knowledgeable and skilled. You can enquire about a dentist's credentials when you visit. Reading feedback from existing patients is another approach to be sure the dentist is a good match. Reading reviews might help clear up any confusion or concerns you have about choosing a dentist. 10/11/2022 06:17:33 am
A good dental experience is one where you feel like your needs are being met and your questions are being answered. You should feel comfortable with the dentist and staff, and like you are in good hands. The office should be clean and inviting, and the staff should be friendly and professional. You should feel like you are being treated as an individual, and not just another patient. Do you agree? 10/11/2022 06:39:40 am
When you go to the dentist, you expect a certain level of service. You expect your teeth to be cleaned, and you expect to be treated with respect. Thank you for sharing the things that we should look out for! 10/19/2022 03:36:07 am
When looking for a dental experience, patients should consider the quality of care, the qualifications of the dentists and staff, the cost of services, and the location. A good dental experience is one in which patients feel comfortable and confident in the care they are receiving. Do you agree? 10/21/2022 07:46:43 am
Dental services are important for maintaining good oral health. However, many people dread going to the dentist because they fear the pain or discomfort that may be associated with dental procedures. If you're one of those people who avoid going to the dentist because you're afraid of the pain, there are steps you can take to make your dental experience more comfortable. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and ask about ways to minimize pain and discomfort during dental procedures. 10/25/2022 03:27:08 pm
You made an interesting point when you talked about how it could be a good idea to find a practice that has a single dentist. If you are wanting to find an office with a single dentist, you will probably want to make sure that they employ reliable assistants. Since you will be working with the assistants most of the time, you will want to make sure that they are reliable. 10/25/2022 10:38:26 pm
Thank you for mentioning that when a dentist conducts a procedure, there should be no discomfort or agony. My grandfather is reluctant to have a dental exam because he is afraid. I'll convince him that it won't hurt, and I'll take my grandfather to the family dental clinic. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorBraden Mathur is a Archives
March 2020
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