ABC's of Good Dentists

A) Availability: When making an appointment, a patient shouldn’t have to wait months to get in. Make sure the doctor has a wide range of availability to meet your needs. B) Beyond reproach: Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers to recommend a dentist who is well qualified. If you hear only good things about a professional, sign up for a consultation. C) Calm manner: A calm and centered practitioner will make the visit to the dental chair much more pleasant. Stay away from any uptight cranky ones, as they can make a toothache hurt even more. D) DDS or DDM are the initials that should follow your practitioner’s name. These three letters stand for Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are marks of proper training. E) Enthusiastic dentists can get the job done and are likely to be caught up on the latest technology. F) Fan bases filled with satisfied patients mean a lot. If a practitioner is loved by his clientele, she or he is likely a good choice. G) Grinning long-term office staff mean that it’s a well run office. If employees are happy to be there and stay employed for a long period of time, chances are that you’ve found a keeper. H) Holidays are staffed by emergency option personnel. If a practitioner goes away on vacation, he or she should line up someone as a replacement in case of an emergency. I) Insurance that you have should be accepted by the practice. Not all docs accept all types of policies. Find out before you visit. J) Jokes and light conversation make something as nerve-wracking as a root canal be a bit more enjoyable. K) Kindness and compassion go a long way in making dentistry palatable. This extends to everyone in the office. L) Laughing gas can make any work done a lot easier to take. If a procedure is terrifying to a patient, strapping on the gas mask can make the appointment fly by. M) Magazines in the waiting room that are varied and current will help those anxiously awaiting their own appointments as well as their accompanying companions. N) Nursing assistants, hygienists and receptionists should all be friendly and competent, too. O) Older patients as well as younger ones are treated with a high degree of respect and care. P) Professional demeanor should be carried throughout the whole of the office. This means confidentiality and respect regarding financial considerations as well as dental issues. Q) Quick to respond if there’s a problem is always appreciated. If an emergency call is put in to the doc on his Saturday off, a simple return phone call can alleviate panic. R) Right answers are optimally given to any questions because this professional and his staff keep up with current technology. S) Sensitivity is greatly appreciated especially in cases of dental phobic individuals. T) Timely and punctual appointments are a plus for all concerned. U) Understanding of fears or concerns found within patients, or in general, a compassionate spirit, is something that should be sought by anyone in this field. V) Very conveniently located offices will make clients feel welcome. W) Wisdom related to all avenues of dentistry give a practitioner a varied knowledge in the field, and allow seemingly odd problems to be troubleshot with ease. X) X-rays are done only when necessary, but done with care in a professional office. Y) Young children need not fear dentists who provide them with a friendly and welcoming environment to establish lifelong habits of good tooth care. Z) Zillions of dentists in the world, but one with all qualities mentioned above is a true find.

For those in or around Portland, dentists can help you have a life of great teeth. To find a dentist in your area, please visit http://www.angieslist.com/

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