Going to the dentist can be so daunting for some people that they avoid it altogether. It is a bad idea, as dental hygiene correlates to your overall health. Scientific studies consistently link poor oral health to chronic diseases. These can include heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.
Going to the dentist is important to maintain your oral health. But what should you look for to find the best dental practice? If you are new to the NW Calgary area, here are a few factors to remember to help get you started.
Modern Technology
Within the last few decades, dentistry has been introduced to a digital revolution in technology. It has significantly increased the quality of care. Most dental practices in NW Calgary are equipped with the latest technology of this kind.
Dental X-rays, especially, have seen major improvements in recent years. Using digital X-rays has been seen to reduce radioactive exposure by up to 90%.
Education and Training
Like with other medical fields, new advancements in techniques and technologies mean that the best dentists are constantly learning.
For example, the professionals here at Valley Ridge Dental are committed to providing the most up-to-date care. We utilize the latest technologies for our patients.
A Friendly Staff
Very few people enjoy going to the dentist. That’s why having a friendly and welcoming staff can make all the difference in choosing which practice to go to.
Try to find a location that doesn’t have much staff turnover. You can tell that because you usually see the same faces when you walk in. If the people working there are happy and care about their job, they will extend that friendliness and care to their patients!
A Clean and Organised Office
This one is not often thought about. However, a clean office is a good sign that the dental practice organizes and maintains its equipment well. It’s just like a restaurant that keeps its bathrooms clean. A dental practice that keeps its office and waiting rooms clean cares about the details.
Passion for the Job
The best dentists get the job because they desire to help people. This passion sometimes leads to effects outside of their dental practice. Many dentists in NW Calgary make a point of working with volunteer organizations. Some also provide free dentistry services for people all over the world.
Services Offered
Some dental practices offer general services, while others specialize in certain procedures. It can include orthodontics or denture care. Before you decide which dental practice is right for you, it’s important to understand what services you and your family require.
A family dentist or general dentist is a good place to start, especially if you have a family. Family dental practices provide all the services needed for both adults and children. The full scale of services can range from teeth cleanings to x-rays to root canals.
Many of them, like Valley Ridge Dental in NW Calgary, also have more advanced orthodontic procedures available.
Family practices are also a good choice for seniors, but some places offer specialized services for seniors.
Also, remember that dentists aren’t the only ones working in a dentist’s office. Finding a practice with a staff full of experienced dental hygienists and dental assistants is important. However, many people don’t know the difference between the two.
Dental hygienists can perform teeth cleanings and other basic functions during a checkup. Dental assistants usually help with developing radiographs and X-rays. Both are essential to keeping those practices running.
Finding the Right Family Practice
Choosing the right practice for your whole family can be harder. Not only should you pay attention to the factors listed above, but you must also find a dentist that you and your kids can feel comfortable with.
Having a bad rapport with the person with their hand in your mouth for extended periods is not ideal. It is one thing for a practice to say they specialize in pediatric dentistry. However, that won’t mean much to your kids if they can’t stand the dentist.
Ask your family, friends, and coworkers for suggestions, especially if you are new to the area. They can point you in the right direction or away from the bad ones. Your primary care doctor might also have a list of dentists in the area.
If nothing else, many lists online give you locations, hours, and reviews of all the dentists in NW Calgary. Once you have found a few potential practices, it is important to check them out for yourself. Online reviews are one thing, but the personal experience can go much further in deciding.
Availability
One last thing to remember is your dentist’s availability and your own. You might want to look for bigger practices if you are on a tight schedule. They have the facilities to deal with many patients every day.
The smaller practices often provide a more personal touch. They give you a better chance to get to know your dentist personally. If you find a dentist your kids love, you may as well have struck gold. But remember, they are only human and may not be available when needed.
Typically, if you have trouble scheduling appointments within two weeks or so, it’s a sign that the practice has many patients. They might even be overloaded. Not only is that inconvenient for you, but it might also lead to lower-quality care from overworked dentists. Emergencies may also come up in dental care, especially if you or your child has braces. As such, it is crucial that your dentist can meet with you on short notice in situations like this. Contact our dental clinic in NW Calgary today.