When you have a family to care for, high on your list of priorities is finding the right family dental provider.  A great family dentist can treat your whole family and make it convenient for you and your family to come in for regular dental check-ups and any treatments that may be needed.

A family dentist will coordinate all of your family’s dental care and refer you out to dental specialists whenever needed. Given how important your family dentist is to you and your family, here are some things to look for when choosing a family dentist.

• Education and Professional Development:

You have the right to ask a prospective family dentist a few questions about their credentials before establishing a relationship with her.  Ask where they graduated from dental school and when, and ask about ongoing professional development.

All dentists are required to do a certain amount of professional development each year, but some dentists go well beyond the requirements.  This is a good sign that your dentist is passionate about dentistry and means that you will be benefiting from the latest news and advances in dentistry.

You can also ask about the dental clinic’s equipment.  Has the clinic invested in modern dental equipment such as digital x-rays and other equipment that can make your visits to the dental clinic more comfortable and safe?

• Experience:

Your prospective dentist’s experience can also be a factor in your choice, but more years of experience is not necessarily better.  Ask your dentist about years of experience, but also ask for testimonials or reviews from patients.

You can also ask the dentist which treatments they provide most often, which they enjoy and which treatments they prefer to refer out to other dentists or dental specialists.  A good dental care provider will put your care above trying to handle all types of treatment under one roof.

Even though a dentist may have been around for several years, it’s still a good idea to do a quick check online for any complaints or news articles about the dentist.

• Services provided:

It’s very convenient for your family to have one dentist coordinate all of your family’s dental care needs – even though at times your dentist will refer you out for specialized treatment. If you place your trust in your family dentist it will save you time and energy and all your dental records will be kept in a single dental office.

• The environment of the dental clinic:

When it comes to dental care, you should look for a clinic which is pleasant and gives you a positive feeling about being there. The environment of the clinic and the approach of the dental support team is important, especially for children visiting the dentist for the first time. Once children feel comfortable and secure going to the dentist, it will make it easier for the whole family to get the regular dental care needed.

• The dentist:

Your choice of a family dentist also depends on the personality of the dentist. You and your family should feel that the dentist is patient and listens to your concerns. You should also look for strong communication from your dentist, explaining your treatment options in a simple way and not pressuring you to make decisions.

Contact Us

If you are looking for a family dentist in Nanaimo, get started by contacting Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group to book an appointment.  We strive to meet the needs of families and look forward to taking care of you and your family.  Read more about the Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group team.