Whether your family dentist has retired or your family has moved to a new area, you’ll need to start the long, potentially frustrating process of finding a new dentist for your family.
Chances are, no matter where you live, there are several family dentists nearby.
How do you get started with your research?
A good place to start when conducting research is to ask for recommendations. Inquire with your current dentist about any good dentists in the area where your family will be relocating. If he or she is retiring, enquire about and, if possible, meet the dentist who will be their replacement.
You can also get recommendations from friends and family. Recommendations from people you know and trust are always excellent places to begin.
If you can’t get a personal recommendation, your next best bet is to look for it online. Online review sites such as Yelp are useful.
When you have a list of potential dentist Sydney CBD, go to each one and speak with them.
What characteristics should you look for in a great family dentist?
Location
You don’t want to drive across town for a dentist appointment, especially if your family has multiple appointments on the same day, all of which are scheduled for hours apart.
Service Availability
Can you and your spouse have your dental work done in the same office as your kids? Is the dentist a true family dentist or only specialises in paediatric dentistry? While adults and children require the same basic oral care, adults’ dental needs may differ from those of children. Children, for example, may require sealants, whereas adults may require dental implants.
You’re a busy parent, and you probably don’t have time to visit multiple dental offices to have the adults in your family treated in one location and the children in another.
When trying to coordinate appointments, a dentist who provides a comprehensive list of services that meet the dental needs of both adults and children will save you time, gas money, and headaches.
Experience in Pediatric Dentistry
Some general practise dentists will label themselves as family dentists solely to increase business and profitability. They may have limited experience interacting with and treating young patients.
Pediatric dentistry modifies and adapts general dentistry procedures for adults to make them safer and more comfortable for children. Quality family and paediatric dentists have specialised training and experience in child sedation, orthodontics, oral medicine, child anaesthesia, child oral trauma, and infant oral health.
A paediatric dentist will have a certain demeanour and an extra-friendly, welcoming attitude, in addition to changing various common dental treatments and techniques. Their customer service skills are specifically tailored to alleviate children’s fears and concerns.
Pediatric dentists will not only be knowledgeable about treating children’s dental problems, but they will also interact with their young patients in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable.
A Children-Friendly Workplace
Let’s be real. The dentist is something that most children dread. It’s both frightening and boring. Family dentist offices that are well-run will have friendly, energetic, supportive, and interactive staff members, as well as fun child-friendly décor and furniture. Some waiting rooms may also have toys and/or a TV to keep children occupied and entertained.
For cooperating throughout their dental procedure, these types of family dental offices typically reward young patients with stickers or dental hygiene packs.
Availability
Nothing is more frustrating than finally finding the ideal family dentist only to discover that their office is closed on the only day or time of day that works for your family’s schedule.
When you meet with the dentist, enquire about their business hours and the best times to schedule appointments.
Accepted Insurance Types
All dentists do not accept the same insurance. To avoid disappointment, know what dental insurance your family has and conduct an online search for dental offices in your area that accept your family’s insurance.
