Maintaining good oral health is vital for your overall well-being, and a big part of that is choosing a dentist who you can feel good about visiting. As an NW Calgary Dentist, we understand that many people dread going to the dentist.
While the dentist’s office is not typically a place that people are excited to visit, the right dental team will help you feel at ease and cared for. If you’re looking for a reputable Calgary dentist, use this guide to help you jump-start your search.
How to choose a good dentist
In this digital age, many people will turn to online reviews as the first step to finding the right dentist. We recommend reading both positive and negative reviews to get a fair idea of patient experiences.
Keep in mind that your dental experience depends on the whole team and not just your dentist. The team includes reception, the dental hygienist who will clean your teeth at each routine check-up, and dental assistants.
While we have access to information in the palm of our hand, physically visiting a dental office in NW Calgary will give you a good insight into how the clinic runs. During your visit, make a note of the environment.
Were you met with a friendly and polite greeting? Was the staff attentive and willing to answer your questions? Is the office neat, tidy, and professional? Does the clinic operate with proper procedures and infection control? These are all essential factors that play a key role in how your experience will be during each visit.
Having a short commute to your Calgary dentist office helps ease the stress of appointments and makes it easier to arrive on time. Most patients choose a clinic close to home or work for convenience and accessibility. Be sure to note when the office opens and how far in advance you’ll need to schedule regular checkups and cleanings.
A recommendation from a trusted friend or family is one of the best ways to find a good dentist in your area. You can also take advantage of community pages on social media for recommendations on dentists in your area, or you can ask your physician or pharmacist for a referral.
Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential dentists, make an appointment for an initial consultation. Some great questions to ask during your first visit are:
After your first consultation, evaluate how you feel. Do you feel that your dentist was comfortable answering your questions? Did you feel that your concerns were met with care?
During your visit, ask as many questions as you need to. After all, your dentist becomes a long-term health partner to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life.
