It is a common experience around the world, for a variety of reasons, to not enjoy your visits to the dentist. In fact, many people dislike and even actively avoid going to the dentist, due to the discomfort and awkwardness of having someone fiddle in your wide-open mouth. 

Do We Really Need to Go?

Checking in with your dentist annually is essential, with untreated and neglected oral health causing serious harm to the rest of your body. Poor dental health and hygiene can cause major havoc, including gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth sores. If an infection takes hold in your mouth, however, it can cause respiratory problems and a compromised immune system. 
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
What can definitely help us ensure that the quality of the health of our teeth and gums are checked and in good shape is to find a dental practitioner who works well, is aware of your uncomfortable time in the seat, and in the same breath, a professional who is cost-effective. 
Here are some quick tips to help you find someone who is right for you! 

Ask Your Family Doctor

Enquiring with your family doctor about a dentist that you can trust is a simple way to bypass some complications when trying a dentist for the first time. As it can be nerve-wracking to approach a new contact, your doctor should be very well equipped to offer you a great option – perhaps even a couple – for you to get in touch with. This is especially important if your dental needs are likely to extend beyond a dental hygiene check-up, such as an orthodontist. 

Online Recommendations in Your Area

In various parts of the country, in Calgary for example, there are online platforms set up to help you find the best specialists in your area. Fortunately, accessing dentists and an orthodontist in Calgary has never been easier, with online reviews and ratings of dental practitioners at the tips of your fingers. Being able to search your options from the comfort of your home is amazing and others’ wonderful experiences will give you the peace of mind that you’re looking for. 

Word-of-Mouth Referrals

One of the best tips for accessing well-qualified dental practitioners is still getting recommendations from friends or family. If you ask around in your social circles, you are likely going to find someone who has had dental issues and would’ve needed a trusted specialist to assist. If this is the case, your contact can give you first-hand experience of the orthodontist’s work and expertise. 

What Is Their Training Background or Experience?

Prior to your first consultation, you can enquire about the dentist’s professional training. You are entitled to ask some questions to put you at ease that their training or experience is up to your standard. 

Post-Visit Considerations

It is important to remember that just because you have seen a dental professional for one session that you need to remain loyal to them. You should not feel under pressure or obliged to continue with them, as they are a paid service; and ensuring your healthcare is of substantial quality should be your primary concern. After your dental visit, here are some tips for you to consider whether you’d like to return. 
How Thorough Was Their Medical History Check?
When searching for a new dentist, it is a great sign if they inquire about your past dentists, any problems you’re experiencing, medications that could be impacting your health concerns, and more advanced dental work you’ve had done in the past. If the specialist generally seems interested in your medical history, this is fantastic, as you want to know that your healthcare providers think holistically about health and that they can assess your medical needs comprehensively. 
Did They Offer a Dental Health Plan?
Upon visiting, you will also be able to check what their health plan for their patients looks like. For instance:
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While visiting your orthodontic practitioner of choice, you want to gain insight into your presenting health concerns and become more educated about how you can take better care of your dental health. A trip to the specialist is excellent, but self-knowledge to continue a more superior level of healthcare is worth even more!
If you are satisfied with your dentist, but their educational skills are lacking somewhat, feel free to ask questions about what you can do at home. You may just become their next favorite patient. 

Financial Considerations

Of course, you want to consult a professional who is well-qualified first, but everyone must consider their finances. If you find a dentist that works really well, but they are out of your price range, you can talk directly to them about a payment plan.
Preventative care is appreciably cheaper than dental problems, which can lead to requiring surgery and an anesthetist. Therefore, talking to your dentist can help relieve your financial stress, while getting the quality assistance you need and deserve.

WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown