No matter your age or lifestyle, regular dental visits are an ordinary and necessary ingredient in having good oral health. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, and periodic screenings help catch issues before they worsen. And despite the fear and anxiety sometimes associated with going to the dentist, every visit with your Utah dentist should be an enjoyable and low-stress experience.
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If you deal with anxiety or discomfort during your dental appointments, you have every right to find a new dentist. For the sake of your teeth and your sanity, don’t settle for less than an honest, caring, kind, and professional dentist. Here are seven very valid reasons to find a new dentist.
1. Unprofessionalism
You deserve high standards for your dentist, and professionalism should be a top priority. The front office staff should make an excellent first impression, and the assistants, hygienists, and dentists should be mindful, knowledgeable, and professional.
The dental office’s atmosphere is essential in creating a good experience. It should feel welcoming and relaxing. A staff member should acknowledge you and talk to you right when you walk into the office. Unprofessionalism is a valid reason to shop for a new dentist.
2. Unclean Office
Nothing should get you out the door faster than an unclean dental office. If you notice this right when you walk in, you can only imagine what the rest of the space—especially the behind-the-scenes areas—looks like.
You deserve to have high cleanliness and sanitation standards for your dentist. If you ever notice a lack of properly sterilized equipment or neglectful behavior when it comes to cleaning, don’t continue with your appointment. Besides the fact that poor cleanliness is gross and unpleasant, it can also harm your health and increase your risks for infection and other oral issues. Uncleanliness is a major red flag.
3. Lack of Communication
Communication can make or break any relationship, even with your dentist. Part of your dentist’s job is to listen to your concerns, explain treatments and procedures in simple language, and make you feel involved in your treatment process. If your dentist lacks clear communication, that should be your sign to find a dentist who communicates clearly.
No matter what, your dentist should take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and make you feel valued and important. This includes answering your questions, addressing and validating your concerns, and providing clear explanations of treatments or procedures.
4. Old-Fashioned Techniques
Dentistry is ever-changing, ever-evolving, and ever-enhancing. Being a good dentist means keeping up with the latest and greatest technology and methodology. If your dentist still uses old dental techniques, you may be used to it and know no different. However, you may have a more comfortable experience with an up-to-date dental practice that strives to evolve with the industry.
5. Outrageous Pricing
Dental care can cost a pretty penny, but your dental bills should not be outrageously higher than comparable dentists in your area. If you feel your dentist overcharges for services, research and compare to find typical prices.
If your intuition is correct and your dental office overcharges you, ask for a breakdown of your costs and then find a new dentist to compare treatment plans with. A dentist should always be transparent about pricing, and insurance specialists or office managers should be willing to work with you to set up a reasonable treatment plan.
6. Unsatisfactory Results
You could have the nicest dentist in the world with the most pleasant office staff and friendliest hygienist, but if their quality of care could be better, then the rest doesn’t matter. Ultimately, you’re going to the dentist to solve an issue. If your dentist doesn’t solve the problem efficiently, there is no reason to return to that dentist.
Whether you go to the dentist every six months for regular cleanings, need extensive dental work, or are inquiring about cosmetic procedures, your dentist should provide superior care that improves your oral health, solves your issues, and enhances your smile.
7. Impersonal Attitude
You are the customer. You are paying the costs. When you’re at an appointment, the attention should be on you. An exceptional dentist takes the time to get to know their patients so they can provide custom care tailored to your needs. If your dentist is rushed and impatient during your appointments and seems to brush off your concerns, you may want to find a new dentist who can take the time and give you the care you deserve.
If you’re unhappy with your dentist, you have every right to find a new one.
Your dentist visits should feel calm and enjoyable from start to finish, with results worth your time and money. Never feel obligated to return to a dentist that didn’t live up to your expectations. If you need a dentist in West Haven or Layton, we’d love to schedule a consultation with you!