As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
Whether you're moving to a new area or in need of a change, finding a new dental clinic can be time consuming and tricky. There's more to consider than just finding a dentist you're comfortable with. If you're looking for a new clinic, check through these five Rs.
1. Recommendations. Lots of people will suggest that you ask friends and family for recommendations of dental clinics or dentists. But what if you're new to the area without nearby friends or family, and you're not in a situation where you can ask work colleagues? Search for the local dental clinics online and see what people are saying about them.
Read reviews, check out any mentions in forums or post a request for recommendations on an online noticeboard. Make sure you ask for a recommendation through experience to avoid getting mothers recommending their newly qualified son or daughter.
2. Regulations. Before you check out the dental clinic, check out their website and qualifications. If you can't find the details online then call the clinic and ask. Your dentist should have at least a degree in dentistry, with preferably some higher qualifications to back this up such as a Master's degree or specialist training. Even better is if the clinic has one or two specialists, for example an endodontist who performs root canal treatment.
3. Rates. Everyone has a budget for their healthcare, so look online or call to check what rates the dental clinic charges for regular check-up appointments, routine procedures such as fillings, and emergency care. There's no point in registering at a clinic that you can't afford.
4. Reliability. Once you've shortlisted some potential clinics, visit them either by popping in or making an appointment. Check that the clinic provides emergency care, because you never know when you might need emergency care for your mouth. If you book an appointment, you can find out how late your dentist might run on an average day and therefore how long you could be left waiting on each visit.
5. Regimental hygiene. Once you're in the dentist chair, take a look around the room. If the consulting room is full of clean, new looking equipment then it's probably the case that this particular clinic is up to date and that the instruments are kept clean and sterile between clients.
Clinics should have a machine, similar looking to a microwave, that will sterilise the equipment throughout the day, however this machine is probably kept out of sight of clients in a back room. If you notice any dirt or the state of the equipment makes you feel uncomfortable, then it's time to find a different clinic. If in doubt, you could ask to see how they sterilise their equipment.
Start checking out your options by contacting resources like Acorn Dental Centre.
Share8 June 2015
