Patricia Woloch asked:




Choosing a dentist is one of the most important things you have to do for yourself and your family. A dentist is one of the few health professionals who works to improve your health and your appearance at the same time. And this aspect of your appearance is a crucial one, as studies by the American Association of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD) revealed that 99.7 % of Americans consider a smile an important social asset.

To make sure you get the best results, you need to find a dentist that combines science, artistry, and empathy to give you the smile you desire without trying to force services on you that you neither need nor desire. To make sure your dentistry has the qualities you should be looking for to find one who is right for you, here is a list of questions you should be asking any prospective dentist.

Experience

• Where did you receive your dental training?

• How many years have you been a licensed dentist?

• How long have you been serving this community?

• Have you undergone advanced training in dental methods and science recently?

• High-quality technology

• What makes you decide to invest in any new technology?

• What is the most recent technology you have added to your practice?

• Have you received specialized training in the technology?

• Have you seen good results with the technology?

• Quality of Care

• Do you have before and after pictures I can look at?

• Do you have testimonials from former clients?

Affordability

• How do your prices compare with those of other area dentists? If they are more expensive, what makes them a good investment?

• Do you offer financing?

Comprehensive Care

• What services do you offer? Do they include specialty services like neuromuscular dentistry, snoring treatment, or breath treatment?

• What services can you provide that other dentists in the area cannot?

• What services would you recommend to improve my smile?

Personal Service

In addition to all the above questions, you want to make sure that your dentist is personal, that he or she makes you feel at ease. After all, you are going to be trusting your smile to them, and if they are going to perform oral surgery, your life as well. So pay attention to the dentist’s answers. The doctor should answer all your questions thoroughly and easily, and should not seem condescending, tired, or impatient. The answers should not be just rehearsed spiels, but should come from a genuine concern for you as a person and a possible patient. The dentist should be happy to answer follow-up questions, and should provide answers that are particular to your situation, giving your multiple options depending on your finances and your comfort level with more invasive dental treatments. The dentist should also not hesitate to go over before and after pictures with you, rather than simply leaving you with a book or computer.

You should interview several dentists when trying to find one to perform your dentistry procedures, especially if you are considering something as comprehensive and expensive as an extreme smile makeover. Don’t settle on the first one, but make sure that you have one you are comfortable with.