Did you know that almost 75% of Canadians claim that they saw a dentist in the past year?
While this is an impressive percentage, a quarter of Canadians are still in need of dental services. To maintain perfect oral health, it’s crucial to visit a professional at least once a year if not more often than that. Of course, it’s also important to have a dentist you’re comfortable with.
Are you wondering how you can find a reliable dentist in North York? Keep reading to learn all about 6 things to consider when choosing a dental clinic in North York.
1. Reputation
One of the best ways to narrow down the possibilities is by looking at as many dentist reviews as possible. If you can’t find any reviews or ratings for the clinic you’re interested in, then that’s a red flag. A reputable business should have at least some feedback from customers that you can use to get a better idea of what to expect.
You should also be wary of perfect ratings and reviews from bots. While the best clinics earn their high marks, it’s unlikely that they haven’t encountered at least one dissatisfied customer for whatever reason. A few negative reviews shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if their general rating is still impressive.
While research into a local dentist in North York can sometimes be time-consuming, it’s a good rule of thumb to read at least several reviews per clinic before you move on to the next one. This will allow you to make more accurate comparisons. Don’t forget to write down the ones that are most promising.
When in doubt, you can ask your friends and family members for some dental recommendations. There’s a good chance that several people in your circle know places that they can either recommend or warn you about.
2. Qualifications
Before you even think about visiting dentists in North York, it’s crucial to double-check their qualifications. You should feel free to ask a potential dentist where they went to school, along with other information related to training.
Keep in mind that there are more qualifications to consider than a traditional college education. School is one thing but real-world experience is something else entirely. You’ll feel much better when you find a dentist who has been working in the dental field for as long as possible.
The best dentists go above and beyond in as many ways as possible. For instance, some dentists are multilingual. From Spanish to Albanian, it can make patients much more comfortable during a dental procedure if they can hear the language of their mother tongue.
3. The Cost
Are you still wondering how to choose a dentist? You shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for services that are essential for your health. Even when it comes to aesthetic procedures, there’s always the possibility of finding a great deal.
This is why you should get quotes for whatever procedures you need. By comparing and contrasting them, you’ll have a much better idea of what the most realistic price is. You may be tempted to pick the cheapest quote of the bunch but that can end up working against you.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to dental services. This is why you should pick a quote that weighs the other considerations too, such as qualifications, reputation, and even the equipment they have on hand.
Another question relating to cost involves dental insurance. Not all clinics accept all kinds of insurance plans. To get the most out of your insurance, you should double-check and see if the clinic you’re interested in even accepts your coverage.
4. Equipment
Simply put, not all dentist clinics are alike. Some of them don’t have the funds or willingness to invest in the upkeep of their dental clinics. This results in them keeping old equipment well beyond its expiration date.
Instead of subjecting yourself to outdated equipment, you should make sure that you’re visiting a dentist who uses state-of-the-art technology. While cutting-edge technology might be a bit unrealistic, especially if it was just introduced into the market, you should expect to see equipment that isn’t a decade old or even older.
5. Referrals
Are you still on the fence about which dentist is worth a visit? One way you can do further research is by asking for referrals from the potential dentists on your list.
While online reviews could come from anyone, a referral is much more trustworthy. This is especially true because you can talk to them in real-time and ask them as many questions about their experience as you can think up.
Speaking to someone over the phone and hearing the voice of a real person can go a long way toward giving you peace of mind.
6. Before and After Pictures
If your potential dentist has gotten consent from past patients, then it’s also possible to see before and after pictures of their dental work. This is yet another concrete way you can be sure you’re dealing with a dentist who knows what they’re doing.
Whether the procedure is something as simple as teeth whitening or as complicated as crowns, seeing pictures should calm any nerves you have and give you the confidence that every reliable dentist should instill in their patients.
Are You Ready to See a Dentist in North York?
Now that you’ve learned all about 6 things to consider when choosing a dental clinic in North York, you can ensure your oral health is perfect. With a reliable dentist in North York, you’ll never have to worry about cavities cropping up out of nowhere.
DentalX Dental Clinic is happy to offer patients a comprehensive dental care in North York. Our staff is not only highly trained but they’re also multilingual. We strive to make you comfortable while offering quality services.
Feel free to contact us to schedule your appointment. We’re always eager to help.