Did you know that over a third of Americans don’t go to the dentist? There are numerous reasons why people don’t go to the dentist, and these can include, but are not limited to
- Having dental anxiety
- Cost
- No access to dental care
- Indifference
- Bad experiences and more
While there’s no one-size-fits-all reason for avoiding the dentist, it’s crucial to understand them so people can overcome these barriers. By doing so, you can take control of your oral health and access the care you need for a healthier smile.
So, whether you’re on the hunt for a dentist after going years without treatment or you need a new dentist who can meet you where you are, if you have dental concerns or anxiety, this post can help. It’s going to look at some questions to ask your new dentist, so you can be confident you have found a dental care provider that you feel comfortable with and won’t fall into the trap of non-attendance in the future.
What can you expect?
In the first instance, you need to know exactly what to expect when you arrive for your appointment. Ask about the type of patient information they need from you, what each type of appointment looks like, ie, getting a standard check-up compared to a cavity or extraction, etc, and who will be in the room and what equipment they’re likely to use. The more you understand about the room and how they approach appointments, the more at ease you will be, and the easier it will be to find out if this is the right dentist for you.
What does a treatment plan look like?
For first-time patients, you usually expect to undergo more tests and checks than regular patients with a dental history with the dentist. Ask what treatment plans look like, ie, do they give you X-rays, etc, on your first visit? Will they perform cleanings immediately, or will they focus on the problem area same day?
Some dentists will perform checks and inspections only for first visits and have X-rays taken to better understand what is happening in your mouth. Others will jump right into treatments.
Understand how they approach new patients and what their treatment plans usually look like. For example, they may perform an initial check and assessment, then schedule a routine appointment for each issue, such as one filling at a time or extraction. Or do they have you in for a check-up, then back for a cleaning, and then treatment commences?
What equipment do they use?
Not all dentists have access to the latest or most modern technology and equipment. Asking what they have can help you better understand what to expect. Some dentists might need to refer you to other practitioners for certain treatments, i.e., brace assessments or fillings, while others have orthodontics onsite so that everything is taken care of together.
Ask about things such as whether or not they use mercury free fillings, if they offer sedation for dental anxiety, or have special measures in place for people who are afraid of the dentist, such as a calm and soothing environment, patient education about the procedures, or the option to bring a support person. Again, knowledge is key to helping you understand if you want to use this dentist or continue on with your search.
