It can be a tricky situation finding a dentist St John’s Wood that you really want. There’s no denying that there are lots of dental practices in most areas, but finding the one that’s right for you may be a different matter. Too often, prospective patients will do a quick check on a search engine and hope for the best. However, spending a bit more time on this research can be a more effective way of finding a practitioner that meets your needs.
What should I be looking for in a dental practitioner?
Every person’s requirements will vary, but a great place to start could be searching for a practitioner that has the treatments you need on offer. For example, if you are interested in cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or composite bonding, then checking on a dental practice’s website can be a good idea as many feature the treatments on offer.
Alternatively, you can also call the practice to ask about the treatments that you’re interested in. It will also allow you to check out how the receptionists deal with you; they should be knowledgeable, friendly and able to deal with your immediate needs from the outset. If you get a good impression of the practice from this call, it will give you more confidence to continue going in to see the rest of the team!
Finding a dental practitioner who is a specialist in a particular treatment may be important to you. If you require one who specialises in dental implants, for example, you may want to do your research into how long they have been treating patients with implants, where they are registered and where they trained. Many dental practices will give this information on their websites, so it is worth doing your homework before you walk through their doors.
Another factor that is worth consideration is finding out about the location of the dental practice. You have to consider if you need the practice close to public transport links or if you need car parking. You may want to pop in during your lunch hour, so finding a practice close to work may be more important than being close to home. Doing this research can save you from some stress when it comes to attending appointments!
Some patients may be interested in dental practitioners who offer NHS or private treatments; by checking websites or calling practices, you can find this out easily. You may also want to check whether they are trained in treating nervous patients and if they welcome families.
Going in to see a dental practice can also help you to get a feel for the place and its staff; it can also help put you at ease as you will be familiar with your surroundings before having any treatment. If you don’t get that warm glow, then you may want to look elsewhere. So, take the time to check them out!
Anything else I should think about?
Choosing a dental practitioner is arguably as important as finding a physician you can trust. Whilst it may just seem like a chore on the list of things to do, many practices are now committed to putting you at the centre of your treatment, so it’s worth finding those that do to get a healthy and happy smile on your face.