It can be frustrating to find that your dentist is not meeting your expectations. Issues can range from unpleasant or disorganized front desk staff to a feeling you are not receiving high-quality care from your dentist and hygienist. When this happens, you should never hesitate to consider the possibility that this dentist is not right for you. Here are five signs it might be time to find a new dentist.
Hard to Get an Appointment
If available appointments are becoming harder to find, you might be in need of a new dentist. This situation can cause issues with your dental care and interfere with completing your treatment plan in a timely manner.
Personal Care is Lacking
You might find the care provided by your dentist is not up to your standards. That can include an abrupt chairside manner or a feeling your dentist is taking shortcuts during your treatment. If you feel rushed during your appointments, you might feel your dentist is not available to answer your questions.
A dentist or hygienist who is not gentle can also make your appointments unpleasant. It is important to feel they are aware of your anxiety or nervousness during your appointments. Your dentist and their entire team are responsible for your comfort and safety. It is their job to remain focused on your needs, ensuring your questions are answered, your treatment is provided with great care, and you feel at ease throughout your appointments.
Old School Office
If you’ve been seeing the same dentist for years, it is not uncommon to be receiving care that is a little behind the times. Many dentists get set in their ways and do not keep up with the most recent changes and techniques. That can include a lack of knowledge in the latest technology.
An up-to-date dental clinic will offer modern conveniences with digital X-rays, in-office comforts, such as televisions and state-of-the-art on-site restoration services, providing customized crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers while you wait.
Your Children Don’t Like the Clinic
This one is a biggie, as your family’s dental care is important to their overall health. What your child experiences at their dental visits will set the tone for their dental habits for life. For children, you want to ensure they feel safe, welcome, and happy when visiting their dental team.
Unpleasant Front Desk Team
The front desk team can ruin your experience even if you are happy with your dentist. An unpleasant attitude, lost or incorrectly booked appointments, constant miscommunications, and poorly managed accounts are all signs your dental office is poorly run. That can affect the dental care you receive, not to mention lead to frustration and wasted time.