{"id":3766,"date":"2021-07-29T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=3766"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:18:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:18:27","slug":"the-7-must-have-qualities-in-a-trustworthy-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/the-7-must-have-qualities-in-a-trustworthy-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"The 7 Must-Have Qualities in a Trustworthy Dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to find a dentist you can trust? Look for these key qualities when shopping for a dental care provider<\/span><\/h2>\n

We know how it is. <\/span>Searching for a good trustworthy dentist can feel overwhelming, especially if you\u2019re seeking care for your loved ones too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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But we promise:<\/span><\/p>\n

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There are plenty of excellent dentists out there!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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Ones that will meet you where you are, listen to your concerns, and provide the expert care you need with integrity and compassion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You just have to know how to spot them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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To help you on your <\/span>quest<\/b><\/a> for top-notch dental care, we\u2019ll be breaking down 7 major qualities to look for in a dentist, as well as some red flags to watch for along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Your Comfort Comes First<\/span><\/h2>\n

No matter your comfort level with visiting the dentist, your provider should be ready and willing to accommodate you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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And if for whatever reason they can\u2019t, they should have no problem referring you to someone who can.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Even if you need <\/span>nitrous oxide sedation<\/b><\/a> to feel relaxed enough for a routine dental exam, this shouldn\u2019t be a problem. But if your current practice doesn\u2019t offer that service, getting a referral to a dentist who can provide that level of comfort should be a piece of cake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Many people are <\/span>afraid<\/b><\/a> of seeking dental care because they\u2019ve had negative experiences in the past, or they\u2019re worried that a certain treatment might hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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But the truth is \u2013 with modern technology and sedation methods \u2013 most dental treatments should be painless, with only a select few being minimally uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Still, your dentist should never make you feel bad or guilty for requesting comforting accommodations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dentistry is about helping people. It\u2019s about improving their overall health, self-image, and confidence through proper dental care. There\u2019s no room for shame or guilt in this business.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dentists should do everything in their power to make each visit as calm and manageable for you as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Healthy, Open Communication<\/span><\/h2>\n

The relationship between dentist and patient is incredibly important, and healthy, open communication is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When you share your dental health concerns and budgetary limitations with your provider, they should listen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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By listen, we mean they should take that information into account every time they make a suggestion that affects your smile and dental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For example, say you need an urgent treatment that you can\u2019t pay for in full at the moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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To help you get the care you need, your dentist should work with you to find the most affordable and timely option, like low-interest medical financing, other alternative methods of payment, or a different (and more cost-effective) procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Also, they should be asking you questions like, \u201cWhat do YOU want for your smile,\u201d or \u201cWhat are YOUR dental health goals?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Asking you about your wants and needs allows them to tailor their services to best care for your smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dentistry is a partnership between doctor and patient, and your care should feel that way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your provider should create an environment where you feel comfortable and safe talking about your dental concerns and desires.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If they make you feel uncomfortable or guilty for expressing your needs, or they aren\u2019t interested in hearing about them, that\u2019s a red flag.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Integrity<\/span><\/h2>\n

This quality boils down to finding a <\/span>dentist<\/b><\/a> that won\u2019t prescribe treatments you don\u2019t need or can\u2019t afford.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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But of all the items on this list, it\u2019s probably the most difficult for patients to pick up on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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With what the average person knows about dentistry, how can we make sure we\u2019re getting the care we need?<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here are some red flags to look out for that can reveal a provider\u2019s true intentions:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. If they don\u2019t ask what your dental health concerns and goals are<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. If they\u2019re not comfortable with you seeking a second opinion<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. If they deny you services that will make you more comfortable during treatment<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. If they\u2019re pushy about locking you into a treatment plan<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. If they insist on giving you a treatment you can\u2019t afford<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. If they don\u2019t go through treatment options with you<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. If they make you feel bad or guilty for your current dental health<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. If they sound like they\u2019re reading a script<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    It\u2019s worth mentioning that it often helps to trust your instincts in these situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    But knowing these red flags can sharpen your radar and help you find the right provider for you. A trustworthy dentist, the well-intentioned dentist will be honest, open, and make you feel secure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    4. Accepting of All Smiles<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A good trustworthy dentist never judges or shames anyone whose oral health is less than ideal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    No matter what state your mouth and teeth are in, and regardless of your previous access to dental care, your dentist should welcome you with empathy and open arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    As we stated above, if instead of friendly professional advice you get shaming or guilt-tripping, that\u2019s a big red flag.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    A dentist\u2019s job is to foster healthy smiles and provide a safe place for everyone that sits in their chair, not to judge people for their dental care habits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    5. Provides the Care You Need, When You Need It<\/span><\/h2>\n

    When looking for the right dentist, you want one that\u2019ll be there when you need them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you have a <\/span>dental emergency<\/b><\/a> on Friday night, you don\u2019t want to wait until Monday to be seen. The sooner you can get care, the better.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Partnering with a dentist that provides urgent care on weekends can ensure your smile is protected in the event of an emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    It\u2019s also a huge plus if they accept walk-in appointments. If your tooth filling cracks during a meal or your child chips a tooth, you can head straight to the dentist instead of worrying about making arrangements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    That way, you can save time and reduce the risk of any complications, protecting you and your loved ones\u2019 smiles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    6. Makes Booking an Appointment Easy<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Scheduling appointments online or over the phone should be a walk in the park.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    The office team should be friendly, accommodating, and willing to work around your schedule as best as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you have any questions about home dental care, recovery from a recent treatment, or other topics related to dentistry, reaching out for advice shouldn\u2019t be an issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If communicating or setting up appointments with a dental office is a constant hassle, it might be best to move on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    7. Treats You Like Family<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The best dentists are the ones that make you feel at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    They give you the space to share your concerns freely and without judgment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    They ask you about your life, talk to you like a friend, and care for you like family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    As humans, we naturally pick up on these genuine connections. But unfortunately, not all dentists have the desire to connect with their patients in this way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Our best piece of advice? Look for one who does.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Tackling the Lack of Trust in Dentistry, One Smile at a Time<\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for a trustworthy dentist in San Diego, Dental Express is committed to inspiring a positive outlook on dentistry.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Our patients are our family, and when you visit us, your comfort is our top priority. We offer various sedation options for all of our services, including nitrous oxide sedation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Integrity is one of our core values, and we make every decision based on your dental care needs, goals, and budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    No matter if it\u2019s been six months or six years since your last dentist visit, you\u2019ll receive the same professional, compassionate care.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you or a loved one has a dental emergency, we offer urgent care services six days a week and always accept walk-ins and same-day appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you\u2019d like to find out how easy and hassle-free it is to book an appointment, you can contact us by phone or schedule online at any of our <\/span>six locations<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

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    Unfortunately, finding a trustworthy dentist can be difficult. But if you\u2019re in San Diego, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Keep Reading<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Affordable Dental Care in San Diego: The Dental Express Philosophy<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    The San Diego Newcomer\u2019s Guide to Finding a Dental Provider<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    7 Times You\u2019ll Need Emergency Dental Care<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    8 Dentist-Approved Remedies to Treat Tooth Pain at Home<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Want to find a dentist you can trust? Look for these key qualities when shopping for a dental care provider We know how it is. Searching for a good trustworthy dentist can feel overwhelming, especially if you\u2019re seeking care for your loved ones too.   But we promise:   There are plenty of excellent dentists […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3767,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3766"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3766"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3766\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5452,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3766\/revisions\/5452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}