Choosing a dentist

Like any health practitioner, your dentist should be a trusted advisor who works with you to optimise your general health and wellbeing. Meanwhile, a relationship with a good dentist could be one that spans decades, with their services and expertise extending to multiple generations of your family.

So how do you go about finding the right dental practitioner to suit your needs? Here’s a quick guide to choosing a dentist…

Dentist location

At least part of the criteria for selecting a dentist will likely be their location. Ideally you want a practice that is in proximity to your home or work, where there is available parking or public transport.

These factors all add up to make visiting the dentist convenient, and this is important as you should ideally see your dentist at least once a year.

A convenient location also means you can access your dentist quickly in an emergency. Whether it’s a lost filling, a chipped tooth or that niggling pain that has just become unbearable, having dental issues resolved quickly and effectively is critical.

Services

There are a range of services that fall under the general field of dentistry and some may be more important to you than others.

At Brite Dental, our services include:

Experience

Dentistry is a specialised profession where practitioners undertake years of training at accredited facilities, before their skills are put to the test under supervision in the field.

It’s easy to assume a dentist has these credentials, but it’s also worth a check.

In addition to credentials, what experience does your dentist have? How many years have they worked in the industry and what type of work do they have expertise in.

Atmosphere

The most important element of selecting a dentist is how you feel at their practice and under their care. Is the clinic warm and welcoming? Are the premises clean and modern? Are the staff friendly?

Meanwhile, the Australian Dental Association suggests evaluating your first visit to see whether your dentist offers the professional services that suit you.

  • Were the dentist and the practice staff friendly and approachable? Were they able to provide information about fees, appointments and service availability?
  • Did the dentist explain what they were doing and did they do it in a way you could understand? Were your concerns addressed?
  • Did the dentist talk to you about preventive care, such as brushing and flossing?
  • Was the practice well-run, clean and inviting? Was the waiting room pleasant to be in?

About Brite Dental

Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.

Offering a full range of dental services, ranging from children’s dentistry through to high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.

You can learn more about our dental services here, or contact us to book your next appointment.