Diamond Certified Articles

Do You Have a Great Dentist?

By Chris Bjorklund,
The Savvy Consumer for Diamond Certified

I might not go so far as to say I enjoy going to the dentist, but I do have a great dentist who makes each of my visits as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Though I only see him a couple of times a year, it’s important to me to have a dentist who makes me feel comfortable and like I’m in good hands—after all, I want to keep my smile healthy for as long as possible.

I’m sometimes asked what you should look for in a dentist. Based on interviews with both dentists and patients, I’ve developed a “great dentist” checklist. Clip it and use it when you need to find a great dentist. Here are some insights.

Staff and scheduling:
I started going to my dentist when my now-adult children were small. Twenty years later, I’m greeted by some of the same staff members who were there on my very first visit. That’s a sure sign that the practice is a good place to work. I like to patronize businesses where employees are well treated—it feels right, and it seems like happy employees provide better customer service.

For example, I once complained about a particular hygienist who I didn’t think was as thorough as the others. From then on, the front desk staff took care to schedule my appointments for when my preferred hygienist was working. I didn’t have to remind them. They just did it.

They also make an effort to schedule my appointments at times that are convenient for me, and they get me in on time. Promptness was one of the top five things customers mentioned when asked what makes a great dentist.

How long should your appointment last? A normal amount of time with the hygienist is about 45 minutes—long enough to check gums, do the cleaning, and coach you on preventive brushing and flossing techniques. You shouldn’t be rushed in and out.

Atmosphere:
For some patients, going to the dentist can be a stressful experience. A great dentist realizes this and does his best to reduce his patients’ anxiety. Some dentists do thay creating a spalike atmosphere, with things like candles and New Age music. The idea is to get patients
feeling calmer and more relaxed as soon as they walk through the office door.

A friend of mine used to dread going to the dentist, until she switched to a new dentist who she thinks is great. He provides headphones and a diverse music selection so she can drown out the sounds of the drill and focus on her favorite tunes while she’s getting a filling. Because she is particularly fearful, he also offers her nitrous oxide—laughing gas—to help her relax before a procedure. She now enthusiastically recommends her dentist to other “dentalphobes” she meets.

Since I don’t get particularly anxious about having my teeth worked on, soothing paint colors and relaxing music were not factors in choosing my dentist. What I did notice on my first visit was how neat, clean, and well cared for his office was—a good indication that the practice pays attention to detail. As one dentist pointed out to me, “Duct tape on the chairs is a bad sign!”

Dentistry:
While some dentists are quick to pick up the drill, my dentist takes a less aggressive approach, which I appreciate. One time I had such a bad toothache, I begged for a root canal. My dentist assured me I had a sinus problem, not a decayed tooth. And sure enough, the pain subsided when allergy season did. Another dentist might have been more than willing to perform the root canal.

My dentist’s emphasis on regular maintenance means we catch problems early, before they become painful and expensive. I never feel like my dentist is looking for a reason to perform some expensive procedure on me.

One of the dentists I spoke to takes a similar, conservative approach to X-rays. He does them every 18 months to two years—slightly less frequently than recommended, unless there’s specific reason to do them sooner. Your dentist, he cautions, should not be over-X-raying you. But, he should have the latest technology and equipment at his disposal—tools like a digital xray machine and ultrasonic cleaning equipment make it possible to get the job done faster and with less discomfort.

He should also be on top of the latest news and trends in dentistry. One way to make sure your dentist is staying current is to ask about something you read online recently—how the new osteoporosis drugs affect your jawbone, for example. See what kind of answer you get.

Communication:
While a good rapport and clear communication is important when you’re talking to a plumber or a mechanic, it’s absolutely crucial when you’re discussing your health with a doctor or dentist. A great dentist understands this and allows plenty of time to explain your diagnosis, present your options, and discuss the pros and cons of each one—in plain, easy-to-understand language.

While you’re in the chair, your dentist should provide frequent updates about what is going to happen next and how long it will take. This kind of communication about the process can be particularly comforting if you’re an anxious patient.

So how do you find a great dentist? Start your search by asking friends, family and coworkers who they recommend and why. Also check the Diamond Certified website (www.diamondcertified.org) for top-rated dentists in all Bay Area counties.

Then, before you begin a decades-long relationship like the one my family has had with our dentist, schedule a "get acquainted" visit to see whether your personalities and healthcare philosophies are a match.

A great dentist:

• Has a friendly, responsive staff
• Is not overly aggressive in his or her use of procedures
• Promotes preventive dentistry
• Keeps a neat and clean office
• Invests in state-of-the-art technology and equipment
• Is up-to-date on the latest developments in dentistry
• Takes steps to create a less stressful, more spa-like atmosphere
• Is responsive to patients who are anxious or have a lower tolerance for pain
• Tells you beforehand what is going to happen and how long it will take
• Explains treatments and procedures in easy-to-understand terms
• Does not rush through the appointment
• Makes time to see emergency cases within a couple of hours
  
• Is upfront and accurate about what is covered by insurance and what is not
• sends appt reminders by regular mail or email
• Sees you at the scheduled time

Resources:
A special thanks to Diamond Certified dentists, Dr. Alfred Dela Cruz and Dr. John Licking