Finding the most suitable dental clinic for you and your family is a process that will require a fair amount of research. There are numerous questions that you must ask yourself, confirming that a specific clinic can meet your needs for each, before committing to any dentist. As this is a decision that will determine who will be responsible for overseeing your family's dental experiences during the upcoming years, you will have to be prudent in your search. Our team at Elements Dental has provided a few suggestions that will help you identify what dental clinic is ideal for your family.

Experienced Dentist

For your family to comfortably trust a dental clinic, you will want all of its members to be highly experienced, including the dentists, associate dentists, hygienists, and front desk staff. When a dental clinic's team has years of previous experience, you and your family will feel reassured in allowing them to work on your teeth. All dental professionals must be up-to-date on their training and certifications, while also offering various treatment plans when a particular resolution is needed. At every dental clinic, ask how many years their staff has been assisting patients with their oral health and find out if they possess the type of experience that you are seeking.

Comfortable Team & Environment

A family friendly establishment is also a key element in selecting the right dental clinic, especially for children and patients with dental anxiety. You can ask your friends or work colleagues to share their thoughts on various dental clinics, inquiring about factors such as waiting times, expectations on the initial visit, and their previous dental experiences. Read patient reviews that are found on the dental clinic's website. Bring your children with you and see how they respond to the office's surroundings. One day, they will accompany you to the dental clinic when you have an appointment, preparing themselves for their own consultations, so it is important that they are relaxed in this environment. If you or a family member has dental anxiety, it is equally vital that your dental clinic's staff is welcoming, patient, understanding, and accommodating. Take them along with you to as many dental offices as possible and see how they respond.

Close To Home

Typically, your average patient will drive a maximum of 30 minutes to a dental clinic. As you begin to narrow down the list of candidates, consider the office's location and working hours. First, choose a dentist that is nearby your home and work, as it will get you to your dental appointment quickly every time. Should you have several dentists in the area, determine their hours and select a dental clinic that has a schedule which aligns with your family's. Also, with regards to their availability, verify if they can assist you in the event of a dental emergency that occurs outside of regular business hours or on the weekends. You don't want any uncertainty looming when a dental emergency is encountered by you or a family member.

Has My Best Interest In Mind

Your family's dental clinic has to sufficiently learn the history of each patient and understand what treatments have already been undergone with a past dentist. Such attention to detail demonstrates that, much like how you have committed to being a patient for the dental clinic, its personnel are dedicated to remaining informed on your previous dental procedures. After arriving at the dental clinic for an appointment, you should notice that the dentist and staff are fully aware of your history, preparing a solution that will remedy your concern.

Technology Within The Clinic

A dentist that uses the latest advanced technology is preferred because he or she will be capable of completing your dental procedures more quickly and accurately. Equipment like digital x-rays, 3D printing technology, and predictive imaging software are a few examples of these innovations. Not only do the procedures become faster and increasingly detailed, but they are less painful for patients as well, and additional treatment options are offered when a dentist utilizes new technology. Be sure to speak with the dental clinic's staff about the technology that they are employing.

Consistently Improving

A great dental clinic will constantly aim to improve its methods in all aspects of the business, focusing on patient care techniques, the office environment, tools and technologies, natural treatment solutions, non-invasive procedures, and patient education. It will positively influence your family's patient experiences when they realize the degree of commitment the dental clinic has to continually improving.

Clear Communication

Pick a dentist who will clarify any questions that you have and with whom you will be at ease when discussing your needs. They must answer your questions in a patient, straightforward manner that leaves you understanding the information. Phone calls and messages that you initiate with your dental clinic must receive a prompt response. You and your family need to be certain that all worries and issues will be addressed by the staff at a reasonable time. And all of the information that the dental clinic provides is to be completely honest and accurate. No lingering questions should remain in your head after communicating with your dental clinic.

Cleanliness Of The Dental Clinic

Ensure that your dental clinic is nicely cleaned and take note of any unsanitary practices that are evident. During your visit, have a look at the individual rooms, equipment, and instruments, while also confirming that the dental team is following hygienic practices to prevent the spread of bacteria. A clean dental clinic is a space in which you and your family will feel safe because it is prioritizing the health of all visitors.

Online Resources

While your dental clinic might not always be immediately available to speak with you, they should provide helpful, informative links on their website. With these, you and your family can learn beneficial information, potentially finding an answer to the very question you had for your dentist. Like the procedures available, you ought to have options in how you access information from a dental clinic.

At Elements Dental, we are now accepting new patients and encourage you to contact us if you are looking for a dentist. Those patients that have chosen us will tell you that our establishment is more than qualified, kind, considerate, and observant. Come see for yourself and schedule a visit to meet Dr. Ray T Chow or one of our other dentists in Victoria, British Columbia, who will be happy to answer any questions that you have.