Your smile plays a major role in how you perceive yourself and the impression you make on those around you. It’s long been known and many surveys show that your smile is what both men and women find most attractive above any other physical feature. It can gain people’s affections, reassure somebody and it can create confidence. But it can also hold you back if you’re not confident with your smile due to dental problems.
A great smile doesn’t just happen, it takes a good dentist, good advice and great at home dental care. The first step is getting the right advice from a dental practice you feel comfortable and confident with.
Here are our top tips for choosing a dentist:
- Check them out online. Look for dental reviews, check they are on the GDC register. Look at their website – do they look professional, friendly, what does their dental surgery look like? Will you feel comfortable there? Do they have any dental awards or dental accreditations such as BDA Good Practice that prove their credibility?
- What are your specific fears around dentists? If you’re scared of injections- do they offer anything to make it more comfortable? Many things can be done nowadays to overcome this problem one thing we do is to apply a numbing gel to the gum beforehand so it’s much more comfortable.
- Where are they? You need somewhere you are able to get to easily either for treatment or routine care. Travelling to far afield can lead to further anxiety. Perhaps look at one close to home or work. If you have to travel for more than 30 minutes it could cause further anxiety, so try to stay local.
- What are their prices are they affordable? Do they have a member’s plan that enables you to budget for your routine dental care and receive a discount if you do require treatment? A dentist should always give you a full treatment summary involving any costs when you go for your dental health check. Nobody likes surprise bills!
- Give them a call and see if the receptionist is friendly, are they helpful and can they answer your questions? A good dental practice and customer experience starts with that first phone call. Dentists should be aware that potential new patients will be anxious and cater for this. Sometimes this phone call is an indication of the care you will receive.
We pride ourselves on delivering world class customer service and dentistry. Here’s why we think you should choose Smile Essential for your dental care.
