One of the biggest questions that comes up in the search for a new dentist is what makes one dentist better than another? Your oral and dental health are some of the most important parts of your health, so it’s important to choose a great dentist. Often the only information you are given when choosing a dentist is a name and a speciality.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to call up the dentist’s office and ask for a visit or consultation. This article will help you discover what qualities are important when choosing a new dentist in Upland. Take a look, and note what qualities are most important to you and be sure to look for them on your first visit.

You want a dentist who…

• Will listen to your concerns.
  A dentist is expected to talk with their patient to assess what issues might be going on and to recommend treatment. What makes a truly great dentist is someone who gives their full attention to the patient. They listen actively to understand what the patients needs are. They are patient and thorough in explaining their recommended treatment. And, they should be willing to answer any questions the patient might have.Oftentimes, dental work can be difficult to understand or the dentists reasoning for an expensive procedure can be difficult to believe. A great dentist is willing to walk you through it, step-by-step so that you feel comfortable with entrusting them with your dental health. Good bedside manner is very important in your dentist. It is one of the first things to look for in your dentist.
• Is easy to get to from work or home.
  Finding the right dentist in Upland means finding one that is conveniently located to work or home. Some people prefer having a location easily located near work, so that it is easy to get back after a morning appointment. Others prefer a place close to home so that if they need any major treatment, they don’t have far to go to recuperate. A good local dentist in Upland is always better than having to drive even twenty minutes out of your way.If your dentist has multiple branches, be sure that your dentists is available in the most convenient one during the times that you expect to have most of your appointments. You don’t want to be caught off-guard and find out your cleaning is clear across town in rush hour traffic!
• Is upfront about fees and expenses.
  A great dentist is clear about what you can expect to pay, and is clear about what is covered by a deductible. Ask your dentist on your first visit, or call before hand, to inquire about their payment structure. If you need major work done but can’t afford the cost upfront, many dentists offer payment plans to help ease the financial burden. A great dentist is someone who is clear about all your options and is willing to work with you to get you the treatment you need.Dental work can be very expensive, so it is also important to make sure your dentist of choice carries your insurance. Call ahead and double check that you are covered to prevent having a nasty surprise at the visit.
• Continues their education.
  When you look for a dentist in Upland, you want to choose someone who takes pride in their work and in their education. A great dentist attends seminars and workshops to stay abreast of developments in their field. Dentistry is an ever evolving science and new developments and techniques are always being developed. Oftentimes these new methods offer easier, less invasive, and sometimes cheaper alternatives to traditional methods.A great dentist wants to stay current. Next time you’re at your dentist’s office, ask them about what recent trainings or seminars they have attended. The specialized training that these courses offer can sometimes make the difference between a costly referral to an unknown doctor and a easy procedure done in house with the dentist you trust.
• Keeps a clean office and helpful staff
  Keep an eye out next time you are in your dentist’s office to see how well it is maintained. Notice if the staff are helpful, courteous and attentive. A clean office and a good staff are a major sign of a great dentists. A dentist who keeps on good staff, gives them the tools and resources they need to succeed, and keeps their offices clean, is someone who cares about their profession for the long haul.How we treat our workspace is a good indicator of how we treat our work. A messy waiting room, a dusty exam room, or an x-ray machine that looks like it has seen better years, are all signs that perhaps the dentist is not as professional as a great dentist would be.
• Is available in an emergency
  When searching for a dentist in Upland, you should also keep in mind how available that dentist will be in case of a dental emergency. A broken crown, or a toothache that needs immediate attention are not problems that you can wait to be seen. When searching for the right dentist, ask about their resources for you during an emergency. Does the dentist have emergency availability, or is there someone they can refer you to when the emergency occurs on off-hours?Hand-in-hand with that is determining what kind of preventative steps they take to ensure your oral health is always at its best. Do they give you the resources you need to be able to maintain proper dental hygiene? Do you feel like any questions you have will be answered in a timely and friendly manner? Ask these questions and you’ll soon discover if your dentist is great.
• Wants to help you feel safe and comfortable
  A truly great dentist is one who puts your safety and comfort first. Many of us have a lot of negative feelings around our dental health, and let’s face it, dental work can be a pain! A great dentist is one who prioritizes helping you feel safe whenever there is dental work to do. They should listen to any concerns you have and either address them, or find a way to accommodate you better. This goes hand in hand with being open to communication.The number one factor that determines a great dentist is this: A good dentist makes you feel good, but great dentist makes you feel comfortable.

Keep all these qualities in mind as you search for a new dentist in Upland. Finding a dentist with all or most of these qualities is sure to net you a dentist that you can stick with for a lifetime.