21st July 2022
How To Choose A Private Dentist
Your Guide to Choosing The Dentist For You
Our private dentists in Tunbridge Wells provide a wealth of treatments to patients in and around the area. But if you’ve yet to join our practice, and are looking into private dentists near you, then how do you go about choosing a dentist? Today, we’ll cover all that – and more – in our blog, helping you make the right choice about your dental care.
Why is dental care so important?
Before we get into who to choose and how we’ll talk about why you need to prioritise your dental health in the first place. Oral care is so important to the health of your mouth, teeth and gums in general, but also for your wider health. Concerns like dental infections and abscesses can spread to areas of the face and neck, and even elsewhere in the body. And with issues like gum disease, your mental wellbeing can be negatively affected. Staying on top of your dental health is easy and doesn’t have to be costly – but choosing the right private dentist can make all the difference.
Is it better to go with a private dentist?
Choosing to join a private dentist often comes with several advantages worth considering. Firstly, private practices typically offer shorter wait times for appointments compared to public services, allowing patients to receive prompt appointments when needed. Moreover, while private dental fees may initially seem higher, they often prove reasonable when considering the quality of care, personalised attention, and access to advanced treatments and technologies. Additionally, private dentists often provide flexible payment options, such as instalment plans or dental financing, making quality dental care more accessible to individuals with varying financial situations. Beyond these factors, private dental practices often prioritise patient comfort and satisfaction, offering amenities like comfortable waiting areas, extended appointment times, and a focus on building trusting relationships with patients. Ultimately, choosing a private dentist can lead to a more convenient, efficient, and personalised dental experience tailored to meet individual needs and preferences.
Feeling at ease
There are lots to consider when picking a dentist. Whether you’re having same-day treatment or having a consultation for a later procedure, you’ll want to feel comfortable and confident about your care. A good private dentist will take the time to talk through your concerns, recommend appropriate treatments, detail your treatment process and follow up afterwards if needs be.
Range of treatments
It’s not just standard dental treatments that you should be concerned with. Private dentists can also offer cosmetic treatments such as invisible braces, composite bonding and teeth whitening. And, some may have a special interest in areas like implantology (dental implants) or endodontology (tooth root and pulp problems). It’s worth getting the full picture of what’s on offer, as it could save time and effort later on if you need a treatment that your private dentist doesn’t offer.
Location, location, location
We proudly serve Tunbridge Wells and have patients from in and around the area. The location shouldn’t be the first reason to pick a private dentist but does often factor into the decision-making process. We’ve helped patients from further afield too, who come to us because of our dentists, team and results.
Reviews
Lastly, patient reviews can tell a better story about a dental practice than a dentist can! Here, you’ll get an accurate idea of what the treatments (and processes) are like, as well as concerns from the professionalism of staff down to parking options.
What are the signs of a bad dentist?
Identifying a proficient dentist is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and receiving quality dental care. However, distinguishing between a skilled practitioner and an incompetent one can be challenging. Knowing the signs of a bad dentist can help patients make informed decisions when selecting a dental provider.
Signs of a Bad Dentist:
- Lack of Communication: A dentist who fails to communicate effectively with patients, explain treatment options clearly, or address concerns may indicate a lack of professionalism and patient-centered care.
- Poor Hygiene Practices: Observing unsanitary conditions in the dental office, such as dirty equipment, cluttered treatment rooms, or inadequate infection control measures, suggests a disregard for patient safety and hygiene standards.
- Rushed Appointments: Dentists who consistently rush through appointments, overlook thorough examinations, or prioritise quantity over quality of care may compromise patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Limited Treatment Options: A dentist who offers limited treatment options or fails to keep up with advancements in dental technology and techniques may not provide comprehensive care tailored to individual patient needs.
- Lack of Transparency: Dentists who exhibit a lack of transparency regarding treatment costs, fees, or insurance coverage may raise concerns about honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Negative Reviews or Feedback: Researching online reviews, testimonials, or patient feedback can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided by a dentist and their practice. Multiple negative reviews or consistent complaints about similar issues should be taken seriously.
- Unresolved Complaints: A history of unresolved patient complaints, legal disputes, or disciplinary actions against a dentist may be worth considering when choosing your dentist.
By being vigilant and aware of these signs, patients can confidently select a reputable and competent dentist who priorities their oral health and overall well-being.
Can a dentist choose not to treat a patient?
Dentists have the professional discretion to choose not to treat a patient under certain circumstances. One common reason is when the dentist lacks the necessary skills, experience, or qualifications to perform a specific procedure, such as a complex root canal or orthodontic treatment. In such cases, it is in the patient’s best interest for the dentist to refer them to a specialist or another practitioner who can provide the required care more effectively. Additionally, if a dentist has a fully booked schedule and cannot accommodate new patients in a timely manner, they may choose not to take on additional cases to maintain the quality of care for existing patients. Other factors that may influence a dentist’s decision to decline treatment include ethical considerations, patient behavior or non-compliance, and professional judgment regarding the patient’s overall health and suitability for treatment. Ultimately, dentists prioritise patient safety, optimal outcomes, and ethical standards when deciding whether to treat a patient.
Join The Town House Dental Practice
If you are looking for a dental practice for cosmetic treatment or to provide advice, try our free virtual consultation where our friendly and experienced dentists will send you a personalised video explaining your options before your first visit.
Just want to have your regular check up’s? Join our dental practice as a new patient by contacting your local Town House Dental Practice.