10
TIPS ON FINDING A GREAT DENTIST
1.
ADA MEMBER
Look
for an ADA (Australian Dental Association) Member.
ADA Members
- agree to abide by a code of ethics
- participate in on-going education
- The ADA Victorian Branch Inc. provides you with access to conciliation
services etc.
- telephone advisory service.
2.
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
Ask
your friends, neighbours, co-workers, family doctor or previous
dentist for their recommendation.
3.
LEVEL OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
Will
your dentist be able to perform the treatment you require to the
highest degree of quality, durability and longevity as comfortably
as possible? Has your dentist been practising for an adequate
number of years in order to gain the experience required to treat
you as well as possible?
4.
COMMUNICATION
Consider
the friendliness and helpfulness of the dentist and his/her staff.
Are they willing to answer your questions and readily provide
information?
5.
CLEAN
Is
the practice clean, tidy and hygienic? If you have questions on
infection control are they answered?
Are instruments sterile? Does the dentist wear gloves and masks,
and offer you protective eye wear?
6.
RESPECT
Does
the dentist appreciate that your time is important i.e. show respect
to you and your other commitments?
7.
DENTAL AND MEDICAL HISTORY
Does
the dentist listen to and take your medical and dental history
and act upon the information you provide?
8.
TECHNOLOGY
Does
your dentist use the most up to date technology, materials and
procedures to provide you with the best possible treatment available?
9.
OPTIONS & ESTIMATES
Does
your dentist present you with a range of treatment options and
explain them so that you understand? Does the dentist run a practice
that is prepared to give you pre-treatment cost estimates and
inform you of variations as they occur?
10.
SHARED PLANNING
Does
the dentist have a long term view of your dental health - with
a plan which you arrived at together, including seeing you regularly
to help maintain optimal health?
|
