Is your current dentist just not cutting it anymore? No matter if you’ve moved house, found the prices too expensive or have had the receptionist call you to let you know your beloved dentist has left the practice, sometimes the time is just right to finally find a new general dentist.
But don’t get too overwhelmed, at TLC Dental, we understand the importance of finding a trustworthy new general dentist that doesn’t break the bank.
That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of looking for a dentist and have outlined our top tips for finding the perfect one the whole family will love!
Location, location, location!
Whether you’ve moved house, moved jobs or are looking for a dentist that is more accessible to you, the location of the dental practice is key. Finding a time to squeeze in that appointment in your busy schedule will be so much easier if you can swing by before work, on your lunch break or later in the day on your way home from work.
At the end of the day, if your general dentist is too difficult to get to you’ll be more likely to skip those much-needed check-ups. It’s all about choosing a location that will be the easiest for you – whether that means it is down the road from your work, round the corner from your house or even just a place with plenty of free parking at the front.
And don’t forget to check the opening hours too – whether you need an early morning appointment or one a little bit later in the evening, ensure the time slots suit.
Make sure you’re insured
It’s no secret a trip to the dentist can be a pretty pricey expedition, especially if you haven’t done your research. Before you book the whole family in for a check-up, make sure your dentist accepts whichever health insurance plan you are on – this will help avoid any unwanted surprises!
At TLC Dental, we are partnered with Medicare (Child Dental Benefits Schedule), HICAPS, HBF and the Department of Veteran Affairs, although we still accept most health insurance plans. If you want to learn more and see if your plan is eligible, just give us a call!
It’s all about the reputation!
It’s human nature to put a lot of weight on word of mouth referrals – it truly is the most powerful medium! No matter how flashy a dentist’s website may look, you’re always going to be more inclined to trust the word of the people closest to you.
The next best place to look to gain a feel for the reputation of a dentist is their testimonials – just hop on Google, type in the practice’s name and read what others have had to say. Pay special attention to any particular dentists that seem to be getting a lot of love from reviewers and if you’re after a particular service, try and see how others felt their experience with that service went.
As is the same with any online reviews, it’s sometimes best to take the negative ones with a grain of salt. Read what their complaint is, think about whether it is legitimate then make your mind up!
What are their qualifications?
So you’ve picked your dental practice, now it’s time to pick your dentist!
With most practices having at least 3 general dentists to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know who will be the best fit for you. Most dental practices have an ‘About Us’ or ‘Meet the Team’ page on their website that will give you the rundown of all the practitioners with a quick blurb about their qualifications, specialities and approach to dentistry.
The ‘who’ is sometimes the biggest part of picking a dental practice, so make sure you spend some time considering the skills and qualifications of each dentist. And if you have specific needs, for example, a general dentist that is good with children who suffer from dental anxiety, sometimes it’s best just to pick up the phone, ring the practice and ask who they think will be the best fit!
Have a look at TLC Dental’s team page – we’re proud to have such an experienced team that is not only passionate about the realm of dentistry but also believe in creating a warm and friendly environment to help you walk away with a smile! Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry of sleep apnoea treatment, there will be someone on our team that will be the perfect fit for you.
Whether you live in Brentwood, TLC Dental is conveniently located in five suburbs south of the river, including:
- Winthrop
- Bluegum
- Mandurah
- Chisham
Each of our five state-of-the-art clinics prides themselves on creating a warm and relaxing environment whilst delivering quality treatment using the very latest technology. With flexible opening hours across each clinic allowing for early morning or evening appointments as well as being open on Saturday morning, we will be able to find a slot to suit you and your needs.
We can’t wait to be your new general dentist! Just give us a call and book an appointment today – we’re excited to start this new journey with you!
