Time To Find a New Dentist

Finding a family dentist can feel daunting, to say the least. Everyone has different experiences that shape the way they think about their oral health. Perhaps you loved your old dentist but had to move for work or had to switch providers due to an insurance change. Or maybe you haven’t been to the dentist in years but want to change that to get your teeth back into tip-top shape.

There are many reasons why you might be looking for a new dentist for you and your family. To help you with this process, we’ve created a list of the top 3 things to look for in your hunt for a new dental home.

1. Technology

When choosing the right dentist, you want to make sure they are using up-to-date technology. Sure, the older technology might be “tried and true,” but it can sometimes be lacking. Newer technologies help the dentist get a more accurate view of what is going on while keeping your care and comfort a priority. 

For children, it is extra important to check all of this out. Newer technology is less invasive and more comfortable for the patient altogether. For example, intraoral cameras can take a quick photo of a damaged tooth on a squirming child, making it easy for everyone to see what needs to be fixed.

X-Rays

Gone are the days of viewing X-rays on pieces of film. Like most other things, they’ve gone digital. Digital X-rays are immediately viewable and can be adjusted in whatever way necessary to see everything in detail. The resolution is high, so the dentist can zoom in and get an accurate view of what’s going on underneath.

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras are exactly what they sound like: tiny cameras that go straight into your mouth. The dentist, hygienist, or dental assistant can take photos with a click of a button, sending the photos straight to your chart. Quick, painless, and easy.

2. Environment

From the moment you walk into the dentist’s office, you want to feel comfortable. Humans are a little too good sometimes at ignoring their own intuition, but it is an invaluable tool that we should utilize.

You should feel heard and valued at your dental appointment. You want to ensure that the place you go is somewhere you can ask your questions and not feel the least bit judged. Make sure you are able to have time to ask these questions to both the hygienists and the doctors. You certainly don’t want to feel rushed from one step to the next!

You want to be in a place tailored for your and your family’s comfort. Who can complain about televisions equipped with cable and ready for you to catch up on all of your favorite shows, especially when there are headphones to bring the shows just to you? Also, Wi-Fi is always a plus!

3. Certifications

The dental certification requirements vary from state to state, but did you know that dentists can acquire multiple different kinds of certifications? For example, they can be board certified specifically for pediatric dentistry. In addition to specified certifications, a dentist can also have extra credentials acquired through clinical trials.

Here at Dixon, Boles and Associates, our dentists have multiple certifications and are regularly pursuing further education and training. They do this to learn more about technological advances in the industry as well as to learn tips and tricks to keep our patients as comfortable as possible. 

Wrapping Up Your Search

Finding a new dental home for you and your family can be a daunting experience to say the least. Whether you’ve had good experiences in the past or not, you might find yourself questioning everything. You want to find a good dental home that uses the right technology to help your family out whenever you need it. You also want to feel respected whenever you ask questions. And you surely want to be where you are confident that the dentist and their team have advanced credentials.

If you are on the hunt for a new dentist, feel free to give us a try here at Dixon, Boles and Associates. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have, or even set up an appointment to view our offices. We’d love to make your family part of our own dental family!