Finding a dentist or dental practice in Waterloo that meets all your needs may be tricky. Today’s article will cover a few helpful tips when searching for a well-rounded dental practice. After all, they will be your partner in good oral and dental health for many years to come. Bad oral health can significantly affect your nutrition, general health, and even social life. Choosing a good dentist and scheduling routine visits is essential to keep your teeth healthy and oral hygiene pristine.
The Basics — What to Look For
When you begin your search for a well-rounded dentist for yourself and your family, make a list of what is important to you.
Education and Experienced Staff
Every dentist in Canada should have a dental degree. This can be BDS, DDS, or DMD. They must also be registered with the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). A duly qualified dentist with an NDEB certificate can be trusted to look after your and your family’s teeth competently.
Waterloo has dozens of dental practices. You have the luxury of looking and inquiring about their experience level; use the time to your advantage. You can opt for a dentist that has some years of experience.
Kid-Friendly
Some dentists are friendly and patient, which is necessary when treating children.
Availability
You won’t always be going for your annual check-up. You may have tooth pain, or a child may have a sporting injury with damage to the teeth.
Ask if the clinic can give same-day appointments in emergencies.
Flexible Hours
You might need to schedule appointments late in the evening or on the weekend if you’re working. Children won’t want to miss school or extracurricular activities to visit their dentist.
Ask if the dentist is available at hours convenient to you and your family.
Do Your Research
One of the best ways to research is by asking people you know and trust. Friends and family are recommended, perhaps a trusty co-worker as well. They can tell you about their own experiences with their dentist and give you honest opinions.
Online reviews are another option.
Schedule a General Visit or Appointment
You’ll be spending time in your dentist’s waiting room and dealing with their staff. Do they pick up calls quickly? Are they friendly and helpful?
See if the waiting area has comfortable seating and perhaps a coffee machine. Small things can improve your experience.
A dentist should offer complete dental care
See if the dental clinic is able to provide the full range of dental services.
Ask questions based on your specific needs or concerns
If you have a specific need, make sure it is available.
Modern Methods
A modern dental practice should provide up-to-date care and procedures. Medical science is constantly innovating, coming up with more effective and safer treatments. As a patient, you should select a dental practice that is modern and uses the latest innovative therapies.
- Sedation dentistry
- All-on-4 dental implants
- CEREC restorations
- Pediatric dentistry for your children
- Cosmetic dentistry to improve appearance
- Botox therapeutics
- Inlays and Onlays
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
For example, if you are looking to alleviate your symptoms associated with different oral or maxillofacial conditions, you may need botox therapy. These facial injections can be used if you suffer from bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder, facial pain, or headaches.
Every dental clinic may not offer all of these. Make sure the one you choose provides the specialties and services you need.
Professionalism and Comfort
These matters make an enormous difference to your experience as a patient. Friendly and professional staff are a great help when you visit your dentist.
Does the clinic have a pediatric dentist? Is the place family-friendly? Ask about these matters if they’re important to you.
Also, try to gauge the experience and communication skills. These directly impact your treatment at the clinic.
Waterloo has many dental practices, some with more than one dentist. Before committing to one clinic, ask for recommendations, visit the clinic, and try to speak with the dentist.
Dr. K Ashraf Dentistry in Waterloo offers various modern methods and procedures to help you achieve a healthy smile. Dr. K Ashraf Dentistry provides everything from general dental cleanings and fillings to cosmetic dentistry and beyond. Call us today for more information.