How to choose your dentist
It is important you feel comfortable with your dentist and confident in their communication style and expertise to treat you. At Smilefocus we see patients of all ages and have many experienced and dentists from across the world to choose from. Our aim is to ensure your experience is a positive one.
Some factors to consider in choosing a dentist include (in no particular order):
- Objectivity and communication skills: Your dentist should be a willing listener, who can suggest appropriate treatment options and who explains the benefits and risks of such treatments. Your dentist should be willing to answer your questions about the procedure and provide you with a written treatment plan.
- Clinical skills and Experience: You should feel comfortable that your dentist has the clinical skills and experience to treat you, or that an appropriate referral will be made to a colleague with the expertise if necessary. You should be able to trust your dentist to suggest appropriate treatment alternatives where they exist, and you should also feel you can trust your dentist’s treatment recommendations. Often the experience of friends or family members is helpful in finding a dentist.
- Training and qualifications: All general dental practitioners registered in Singapore are qualified. A person considering more specialised treatment may consult a specialist (or more than one specialist) to determine if they are suitable for the particular procedure. Many of our dentists are overseas trained and qualified. Knowing that a dentist is qualified and has worked overseas may increase the comfort level of a patient. It’s okay to ask.
- Confidence level: Since twice yearly visits to the dentist are usually recommended to maintain dental health, it is important to feel comfortable with the practice you choose and to have confidence and trust in the dentist. How those dentists are supported by their patient care team also matters. The care and attention you receive should start the moment you make contact with the clinic.
- Nervous patients: Dental anxiety is a common problem that can plague even the most rational and intelligent person. Even a low level of anxiety can induce a person to put off a visit to the dentist for preventive care indefinitely, so choosing a dentist is especially challenging for a nervous patient
It is most important you find a dentist that works for you and your family. Have a look at our dentist bios and see whether you think there could be a good fit. We look forward to looking after your smile.
