A good dentist is usually not immediately recognizable to patients. But which characteristics present a good dentist, and which characteristics can you look out for finding a suitable dentist? We would like to help you with this and give you valuable tips on what to consider when choosing a doctor.
8 tips: how do you recognize a good dentist?
Tip 1: A personal recommendation
If you are looking for a good dentist, personal recommendations from friends or online portals can help.
However, caution is advised when evaluating online: Patients who have had negative experiences give a rating more often than those who are satisfied. So, it is better to rely on the opinion of acquaintances or friends who would like to go to this dentist themselves.
Tip 2: the first anamnesis
The anamnesis lays an important foundation at the first appointment: an anamnesis sheet is used to ask about your underlying illnesses and medication. Your dentist should know about these and talk to you about them. This information is important for him to adapt his treatment and to know about interactions.
Tip 3: on impeccable hygiene
You can get an initial impression of the cleanliness of the practice in the waiting room. If there is a thick layer of dust here, one can assume that hygiene is not being taken too seriously in the other rooms.
The dentist and his team should also wear appropriate work clothing. The clothes must look clean. When working, the dentist should wear gloves and mouth guards and change them as soon as he leaves the room or meets something unclean.
Tip 4: Adequate treatment time
A good dentist takes a lot of time during the check-up. He shows patience and addresses your concerns and needs. If the patient is afraid, a lot of empathy and a calm charisma is important.
He will then explain the findings to you and give you any suggestions for improving your oral hygiene at home. If he recognizes the need for treatment, he should inform you about it in understandable language. You need to understand where the cause is and what it is.
The dentist will explain to you about various therapy options and the respective advantages and disadvantages. The final decision is then ultimately yours.
Tip 5: the precaution
A good dentist always tries to prevent illness. He should therefore inform you about deficiencies at an early stage and give suggestions for improvement. Existing defects should be treated quickly to avoid worse.
Besides, the dental practice should offer professional teeth cleaning. Tartar, discoloration, and plaque are removed here, even in places that are not accessible to you. It serves to prevent tooth and gum disease.
Tip 6: In education about costs
If there are any costs for a treatment, doctors must inform you in advance about how high these will be. Often there is a free option that the dentist must explain to you.
With dentures, however, you must reckon with costs, whereby the so-called standard care must be offered: this is the cheapest alternative. The prices should be transparent and understandable.
Tip 7: (Not) on modern technology
More important than impressive equipment in the practice is the competence and experience of the dentist. Modern high-tech devices do not guarantee successful treatment, which is why you should not make your choice of dentist dependent on it.
Tip 8: At the follow-up check
After the treatment, a good dentist will continue to look after you. With complex therapies, a follow-up appointment is recommended to check the success again.
If you are not yet satisfied with the result, a good dentist will treat you free and find a solution for you. Patients who come for regular follow-up visits typically have better oral health.
Good dentist: if in doubt, get a second opinion
Are you unsure whether your dentist is trustworthy and bills fairly? In case of doubt, there is always the possibility of obtaining a second opinion from another dentist free.
Option 1: get a second opinion from another practice (e.g. through the specialist search of the health insurance companies)
Option 2: A second opinion from a patient advice center (to be found on the homepage of the German Dental Association)
Option 3: Calculate your fair treatment costs online with the help of the dental cost check and arrange a non-binding consultation with a dentist