To ensure the oral health of your whole family, you need to choose a family dentist who upholds a standard of excellence. Family dentistry involves more than mere dental care, it is a long-term relationship with the whole family that must be built on quality, consistency, and personalized care.
A family dentist must set a high standard and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education. They must make use of advanced techniques and apply state-of-the-art technology, all this while fostering an environment of comfort, compassion, and open communication.
Don’t be intimidated by all the choices available. Here are some guidelines to help you narrow your search and find the dentist who will attend to your whole family’s dental needs, based on all your unique requirements and preferences.
How To Choose Your Family Dentist
Choosing the right family dentistry practice that will meet your unique needs involves thorough research, clear communication, and trust in your instincts. Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice.
- Assess your needs and personal preferences
- Are they in a suitable location and do hours of operation accommodate your needs?
- Determine if they are knowledgeable and experts in their field
- Do they communicate well
- What are their premises like?
- Check reviews and testimonials
Your Needs And Personal Preferences
When deciding on a dentist, it is important to identify any specific needs and preferences you have. Preferences you may have include:
- Gender – although most people may not mind whether the dentist is male or female, if you have a preference, look for a dentist who meets that need.
- Language – if English is not your first language, you may feel more comfortable with a dentist who can communicate in your native language or who offers a translation service.
- Dental needs – whether you need a dental check-up, dental hygiene, preventative dentistry, or specialized treatments, it’s important to establish that the dentist you choose offers those services. It is advisable to choose a dentist who offers a comprehensive dental service, especially if you have frequent dental issues.
- Mobility issues – If you have mobility issues or require wheelchair access, ensure that the dentist’s premises are equipped with the necessary facilities that can accommodate your specific needs.
- Child-friendly – It’s vital that your child’s visit to the dentist is a positive experience and that the family dentistry practice promotes healthy oral habits for children. If you have a child who will be visiting the dentist, confirm that the dentist you choose has specialized pediatric training and the following characteristics:
- Patience – Children may have had a previous bad dental experience and be very anxious and uncooperative when visiting the dentist. A dentist dealing with children requires a lot of patience, empathy, and understanding. They should have a compassionate demeanor and gentle touch.
- Excellent communication skills – to build a rapport and get children to trust them, the dentist must be able to explain procedures, alleviate any fears, and communicate with children in a way that they can understand. They must have a good understanding of child developmental milestones in order to tailor their approach and treatment to the specific child.
- Child-friendly environment – To help children feel at ease, dentists rooms should have an area with colorful decor, toys, and other amenities that will make the child feel relaxed and comfortable.
Location And Hours Of Operation
To minimize travel time, and be able to fit in your schedule, choose a dentist who is located near your home, work, or child’s school. Tip: to further minimize wasted time, ensure the premises have plenty of parking.
You must also establish the dentist’s hours of operation and whether those hours can accommodate your schedule.
Experts In Their Field
Always confirm that the dentist you choose is legally qualified and has the necessary experience. They must have obtained their qualification at a university that is accredited by Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) and belong to a dental association such as:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Academy of General Dentistry
Good Communication Skills
A family dentist must prioritize patient-centered dental care and be willing to discuss your needs and concerns. They must portray a comfortable yet professional demeanor at all times. Pay special attention to the following:
- Do they treat their staff with respect? You can learn a lot about how they communicate by watching their interaction with their staff and other members of the dental team.
- Do they respect your preferences and involve you in treatment decisions?
- Do they offer and adequately communicate alternative treatments and financing options tailored to your specific needs?
- Do they educate you regarding your oral health in a manner you can understand?
- Is their pricing transparent and communicated clearly?
- Do they adhere to appointment times and communicate effectively if they are behind schedule?
The Dental Premises
Another way you can learn a lot about your dentist is by taking a good look at the premises. Arrange for a tour of the dental rooms and ask yourself :
- Are the premises clean and hygienic? Is the lighting good?
- Do they adhere to appropriate infection control methods?
- Are the staff friendly and professional?
- Do they use modern technology and have advanced equipment to ensure high-quality care?
Reviews And Testimonials
Before making any decisions, read the dentist’s online reviews, testimonials, and patient feedback. Check out their website, is it professional and informative? Ask family or friends you trust for their opinions, personal experiences, and recommendations can be very valuable.
Erik’s Dental Group, Your Full-Service Family Dentistry Practice
Are you looking for a family dentistry group that offers a full dentist service? Erik’s Dental Group is the “Official Sponsor Of Smiles” in Boynton Beach. Setting the standard for dental excellence, we give all our clients a caring, capable, and comprehensive dental service and a 5-star dental experience, all under one roof.
Our professional team offers the following dental services:
- Teeth whitening
- Teeth cleaning
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Root canal treatments
- Dental fillings
- Cosmetic dentistry includes:
- Invisalign
- Orthodontics
- Porcelain veneers
For more information on the services we offer, to visit our facility, or to make an appointment, call us at 561-733-4004 today.