Because they possess years of schooling and impressive degrees, you may think that one dentist is pretty much the same as another. This is not true, however. All dentists are not created equal, and if you want your oral health to be the best it can be you need to know how to tell that your dentist has the skills and knowledge for the job. Here are some reasons why you should carefully choose your dentist and some key features of a good dentist who will successfully take care of you and your family’s teeth.

Why You Need a Good Dentist

There are a number of reasons why you need to put the time and effort into finding a quality dentist for you and your family. The first and most obvious reason is that a less than stellar dentist will have an adverse effect on both your oral health and your overall health. Oral health problems like advanced tooth decay can easily spread to your gums and from there to other parts of your body. Good dental care prevents this. In addition, having a dentist who is familiar with the latest technologies and techniques means that any oral health problems are more likely to be caught early, helping your health and saving you money. Finally, having a dentist who you trust and are comfortable with means that you will go to the dentist more often, leading to better overall oral health.

Signs of a Good Dentist

An Emphasis on Preventative Care

Many people have an outdated notion of dentistry. While in the past a dentist would concentrate on filling cavities and other larger oral health issues, dentists who follow the ideas of modern dentistry should instead have an emphasis on preventative care. This means that you will have a lower risk of major oral health problems, less chance of being stuck with a large medical bill, and better overall oral health. According to Enamel Dentistry, a dentist in Austin, TX, preventative care includes the “routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings that keep your smile healthy and strong.”

Dedication to Continued Training

Every dentist has to go through dental school in order to get their degree and their medical license. Not every dentist, however, has the dedication to continuing their training that denotes a great dentist. Continuing their training beyond the basics means that your dentist is dedicated to giving you the best, most up-to-date quality of care. The suggested techniques and technologies in dentistry are changing all the time, and unless you find a dentist who is willing to keep up with these changes you won’t be receiving the best care possible.

Up-To-Date Technology

Not every dental practice can afford the latest high-end equipment, of course. But there should be signs that your dentist is dedicated to getting technological advances as quickly as their business is able. Technological advancements in dentistry can be used to detect health problems early and give your dentist a more accurate picture of what might need to be addressed when it comes to your oral health. Early detection is one of the key factors that any medical professional should strive for, and dentistry is no different. Having up-to-date technology is one way of ensuring this high quality of care.

A Variety of Dental Services

Dentistry isn’t just fillings and fluoride treatments. A high-quality dentist will have a variety of dental services available. These include more common practices such as Preventative Dentistry (cleanings, imaging, cavity detection, and cancer screenings) and General Dentistry (fillings, crowns, and root canals). Many dentists will also offer other, more specialized services, such as Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Dentistry. Finding a dentist who offers a variety of dental services means that you can be confident that they can navigate the many places where these practices overlap.

Friendly and Supportive Patient Care

For many people, going to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience. A great dentist will go out of their way to provide friendly and supportive patient care. This includes the bedside manner of your dentist and dental techs, of course, but it also goes beyond that. You should look for an inviting reception area and lobby, clearly communicated systems and payment plans, and the personal attention of everyone from the receptionist up to your dentist themself. An emphasis on patient care will make going to the dentist a better experience for you and your family.