Finding the Right Dentist

By Alden Smith

When asked for advice on how to find a dentist, my first reaction was, all you need to do is pick up the Yellow Pages and look up "dentists." But after giving the question some more thought, I realized that there are many things that you should look for when choosing a dentist for the first time.

Perhaps you have moved, or your old dentist has retired. Or perhaps you are dissatisfied with your current dentist and his work, and seek a new dentist to fulfill you dental needs. You may also be looking for cosmetic dental work, to give you that bright, pleasant smile you have always wished for. These guidelines will help you to decide exactly what you're looking for in a dentst, and how to find a dentist who meets your quality needs.

The first thing to do is, of course, obvious - look in your Yellow Pages directory, and determine if a dentist in your geographical area might meet your needs. Choose several, and plan on interviewing these dentists to see if they are someone you wish to trust your dental work to. Make an initial appointment with a dentist on your beginning list, and be sure to tell the dentist or his receptionist that you are keeping the appointment to seek information about the dentist and the services he offers.

Observation should be made first of all when entering the dentist's office. Initial impressions are very important. Are the staff pleasant, and do they show a desire to be of service to your dental needs? Is the office area clean and well lit, offering pleasant surroundings while you are visiting? Are there signs of good housekeeping? Although this has little to do with the quality of work performed by the dentist, it gives you an impression about how the office views itself, and presents itself to the community.

Speak openly with the dentist. Ask any questions that may bother you, and express any concerns you may have. Many people have a real fear of dentists, and he should put you at ease. If you feel uncomfortable in his presence, it will haunt you later when you are in the dentist's chair.

Ask the dentist how he feels about ongoing education in the dental field. Does he continually upgrade his education, and stay on top of the technological aspects of dentistry? Does he invest regularly in new technology? Is he willing to share this with you? Does he appear to show a genuine interest in new advances in both dentistry and technology? These are things you will want to know.

Ask your new dentist how he handles sterilization of equipment. What method does he use, and what is his procedure? Does he use an autoclave, a dry heat oven, or a chemiclave to sterilize his equipment? Is he willing to show you his procedures, and his method of sterilization? Remember, this is not done in your presence, but generally handled in another room. Is he willing to show you this room, and his equipment? If so, look for cleanliness and order, and pay attention to his discussion about his procedures.

Does he use a Sharps container that is well labeled to handle such things as needles and other sharp objects? Ask him how he handles bio-hazard waste, and ask if he can show you his bio-hazards area and the bags he uses. Does he adhere to American Dental Association standards, which report that virtually all dentists sterilize their handpiece (drill) between patients? Does his office follow specific heat sterilization procedures, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association?

Observe the operating theater. Is it clean, well organized, and orderly? Is the patient protected against sharp objects or anything that can cause bodily harm? Ask the dentist about his compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for both his patients and staff. He should be glad to answer any and all questions.

Be sure to ask your new dentist about his record keeping practices. Does the dentist keep a detailed decayed, missing, and filled record (DMF)? Does he do regular x-rays, and is he willing to share this information with you? Remember, a dentist should involve you as the patient with the care and health of your teeth, and should be willing to do work for you regarding your own personal wishes. You need to be a part of the decision-making process.

Does the dentist ask for a complete medical record when you are referred to him or are seeking his services? This should always be routine practice, as your medical record will show any reactions to antibiotics or pain relieving drugs, and whether or not you have allergies that may be affected by dentistry work.

Ask the dentist if he does routine oral cancer checks. This screening should be done during the initial examination, and done as a part of routine cleanings and routine work on your teeth. The dentist should be concerned with your entire mouth, not just your teeth. Always be sure, also, to ask your dentist how he handles infection control procedures. This is an important part of dentistry.

Your dental health is far too important to neglect. If you do not currently have a dentist for whatever reason, you can obtain American Dental Association referrals by contacting your local dental society. They are usually listed in the telephone directory under "association - dentist." Taking care of your teeth is up to you. Insuring that you have a competent dentist is also your responsibility, and by using these simple guidelines, you will be sure to have an enjoyable visit to your new dentist.

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Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.

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