Not All Dentists Are Created Equally (p.20)
How To Choose A Qualified Dental Care Provider

By Dr. Edmond Suh

With more and more evidence proving the crucial connections between oral health and the health of the rest of your body, choosing the right dentist for you and your family is moving to the top of many people’s priority list. It sounds simple; after all, a dentist is a dentist, right?

Not necessarily. Not all dentists are created equally … there are all kinds of practice styles, treatment philosophies, and levels of training and experience – all should suit you and your particular needs. Different doctors are right for different people. This is especially true if you need extensive dental repair work, treatment for periodontal disease, or suffer from TMJ, or if you have any fears about dentistry or difficulty becoming numb.

TRAINING

First, look at the doctor’s training, especially if you need complex treatments of any kind. You may not be interested in cosmetic dentistry. However, if any of the dental work involves your front teeth, you will become “interested” if the work doesn’t look natural. What most health consumers don’t realize is that because cosmetic dentistry is not a board-certified specialty, any dentist can claim the title. This means that any dentist can call himself or herself a “cosmetic dentist,” with no more than basic dental school education. Why does this matter? Because cosmetic dentistry is not taught in dental school. To achieve a natural, lasting result that feels comfortable, dentists need to receive extensive continuing education to learn the advanced techniques and technology available. And like all aspects of medicine, cosmetic dentistry is continually changing and improving. It is important to work with a dentist who has made education in cosmetic dentistry a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Ask the doctor to discuss training and credentials with you. Don’t be afraid to question him or her directly; if a doctor is intimidating or seems offended at your questions, it might be a warning sign that he or she is not the dentist for you.

EXPERIENCE

Experience matters. Ask the dentist how often he or she performs the procedure about which you are inquiring. On any given day, there should be several patients in the office who have had cosmetic treatment – ask if you can meet with some of them to discuss their outcomes and experiences.

Be certain that the “before” and “after” photos are of that particular doctor’s real patients. Dentists can purchase stock photos for advertising purposes, so be sure of what you are looking at. Interview the doctor, read patient testimonials, and/or ask to interview a current patient. In short, you need to get to know the dentist and be absolutely comfortable with his or her style, personality, experience, artistry, and training before you have any work done.

THE STAFF AND OFFICE

A well-trained dental staff will be knowledgeable and professional when interacting with you. They will answer the phone pleasantly and always make you feel respected and welcomed. If office staff are discourteous or seem rushed, you may not receive the kind of personal attention you want from your dental care provider.

Another consideration is the office itself. There are many office styles, and you will eventually find one that fits your personality. Some are utilitarian and no-nonsense, while others have a pampering, spa-like feel. No matter what style you prefer, look for a facility that feels modern, cutting-edge, clean, and welcoming. You may also want to be aware of the amount of patients in the waiting room or the amount of consultation rooms in an office. If there is only one dentist and the practice is busy, it might mean that the dentist is required to check on many patients throughout the day, taking the focus off of you and your needs. If you have more complex dental issues, your doctor needs to be able to spend as much time with you as is necessary, without interruption or rushing.

TECHNOLOGY

Look for a practice that utilizes cutting-edge technology. Are the computers modern? Do they use digital x-rays? Lasers? Digital photography? Used with skill, technology allows dentists to be more accurate and more conservative in care, and keeps your procedure as comfortable as possible.

PAIN AND ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

This is a very important issue for most dental patients. Some dentists not only work with technology and sedation techniques to help patients become comfortable and relaxed enough for treatment to be effective, but they should also go out of their way to offer simple creature comforts like blankets, neck pillows, and tempurpedic chair pads. Some even offer teas and coffees to their patients, so they can enjoy a quiet moment before or after their appointment.

MAKING YOUR FINAL CHOICE

Much of your research can be completed on the Internet. The most qualified doctors usually have websites that document their training and show “before” and “after” photos of actual patients. Many have a comprehensive list of services and descriptions of them, so you can get a feeling for what they offer before you even make the first call.

With just a little homework up front, you’ll be sure to find a dentist who combines training, skill, artistry, and style with a beautiful and healthy end result.

If you are interested in learning more Dr. Suh’s dental practice, located at 1711 S. Main Street in Wake Forest, he can be reached at 919-556-6200 or visit www.wakeforestdentistry.com.