With lockdown restrictions easing across England, more of us are thinking about returning to hairdressers, hospitality venues – and the dentist.
If, after the long months of closures, you need to find a new dentist, you may be wondering ‘How do I find a good dentist near me?’ Here, we go through the things you need to take into account before booking your first appointment as a new patient.
- Check out the check-up
Your initial assessment should include X-rays on both sides of your mouth as a minimum – you may also need more specific images of particular sections of your jaw.
Meanwhile, a basic periodontal evaluation (BPE) divides the mouth into six areas to check the levels of bone density and ensure that the teeth are stable, and held in place with plenty of healthy bone.
An initial visit should also involve soft-tissue screening to inspect your mouth for any lesions and, more importantly, as an initial form of screening for oral cancer. (If necessary, your dentist may need to refer you for a biopsy.)
The dentist should also assess the muscles and jaw joints in your throat and neck by opening and closing your mouth and getting you to stick your tongue out while also gently feeling your glands and neck.
Finally, a good dentist will test your occlusion, or bite, to be sure there are no signs of grinding and that all teeth meet evenly.
- Does the place have the right professional accreditations?
Look for the BDA Good Practice member logo on any potential new practice. This shows the practice can prove a tangible commitment to quality with good team work, efficient practice symptoms and assurance of a good patient experience.
It’s also a good idea to look at the credentials of your chosen potential dentist on the General Dental Council website.
- There should be no pressure
You shouldn’t have to pay a deposit before you book an appointment, and you are not bound to a particular catchment area in the same way as you would be when registering with a GP. Your practice simply has to be convenient for you, whether that’s because it’s near your home or workplace. So you just need to call up and see whether the practice is taking new patients, and whether they have any available appointments.
Of course, the choice is yours – you can always choose to attend somewhere further away if you really like the practice.
- Anxious patient?
If you become particularly anxious at the dentist, or have any other special requirements, such as needing wheelchair access, find out what the practice offers ahead of your first visit. A good dentist should do everything they can to assure you that you will be looked after.
- Ask around
As with anything else, it’s always worth asking your friends, family, colleagues and other contacts for recommendations, especially if you are new to an area. It’s also worth looking at patient recommendations for dental practices on the NHS Choices website.
Another idea is to ask for recommendations via a local patient website.
Others who may be able to advise include your GP or pharmacist. Equally, if you are moving, you could ask your current dentist to recommend a new practice.
- Understand pricing
Again, as with anything else, understand pricing structure in advance. Charges should be clear and transparent; equally it should be easy to understand exactly what you are getting for your money. And there should, of course, be no unpleasant surprises when it comes to paying your bill.
- Take the tour
Most dental practices will let you have a quick look round the surgery and allow you to meet team members to say a quick hello before your first appointment if you ask for this in advance. This could do a lot to put your mind at rest if you are feeling nervous ahead of treatment. You should also be able to gauge the team’s willingness to answer your questions and provide information.
This way, you’ll have the chance to learn whether the opening hours suit you, the procedure for emergency dental work, and ask about the on-site hygienist or anything else you may feel uncertain about. Additionally, you can check the place is clean and tidy, that staff wear gloves and other protective gear when treating patients, and that the treatment room is hygienic and properly lit.
Finally, if you’re wondering how to find a good dentist near you, there may be more things to take into account than you realised. But, using the criteria mentioned, it’s perfectly possible to find one that fits the bill perfectly.