What do you like about your dentist?

[Kitty 34]

I'm in the "market" for a new dentist as our family one recently retired. There are tons of dentists in our yellow pages; painless ones, ones specializing in certain things, etc. My head was swirling after reading all their ads!!

So what do you like (or don't like) about the dentist you go to?

 

[mjkacmom]

Clean modern office (digital xrays, flat screen TV's...), friendly staff, never have to wait, easy on the eyes! My kids LOVE going to the dentist!

 

[cluvsdisney]

My dentist is really nice and has the gentlest touch. At my previous dentist, my teeth/gums would be sensitive after a cleaning but that is not the case at all with my current dentist. Plus everyone who has worked in his office since I started going there are super nice too. The only thing I don't love is that I have to make an appointment far in advance because I can only go on weekends since he doesn't have evening hours. It's not unusual to wait 2 months for an appointment but I know this so I plan accordingly.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I'm in the "market" for a new dentist as our family one recently retired. There are tons of dentists in our yellow pages; painless ones, ones specializing in certain things, etc. My head was swirling after reading all their ads!!

So what do you like (or don't like) about the dentist you go to?

The most important thing to me is confidence that my dentist is not telling me I need expensive procedures when either I don't need them or there is something less expensive and invasive that could be done. Unfortunately, I think the need to keep a business running has been more important than my best interest at some dentists I've seen.

Not sure how you get that, but someone with an older, established practice seems like a better bet to me than someone young with top-of-the-line, brand-new office and equipment.

Here's my real-life example: DS had a cavity (yes, I know you all think I'm a failure of a parent for that, but let's not get into that now). Pediatric dentist said he needed root canal and crown (a big silver crown in my angel's perfect smile!?!?!). I took him to another dentist who said sure, you could do that, and the insurance would cover it, but a filling would work just fine given the size and location of the cavity.

 

[Janepod]

Nearby, takes my insurance, has Saturday hours, offered to open up on Sunday of Labor Day weekend when my toddler chipped his tooth that Saturday night.

I am pretty sanguine about dental procedures. I alway fall asleep during my cleanings. I just need someone convenient.

 

[lemondog]

Low rent = lower costs. My dentist is not in a fancy schmancy office and is pretty bare bones....no tv's, waterfalls, massages, etc. I pay $650 for a porcelain crown where many other dentists in town charge $1200. Plus he always does his best to avert major repairs like crowns when possible to save me $$. And he takes payment plans. Plus I like him and his staff, probably most important!

 

[shellybaxter]

The reason I go to my denist is because he understands I am a wanny and gives me good drugs to get me through the procedures. I've been known to go out the back door before so trusting a dentist is a big thing for me

 

[jlmarr]

Quality work, explains things thoroughly, easy going. My DW has always been freaked about dental work, but this guy has changed all that for her. Issues she has put off for decades have now been addressed. I'd recommend him to anyone. (Near DLR - if you want his name PM me.)

 

[Luv Bunnies]

If I were looking for a dentist, I would ask for referrals from friends. Knowing someone who has already had good experiences with the dentist means a lot to me. When my dentist retired, he interviewed many young dentists before selecting one to take over his practice. He was very concerned about his patients getting good care, and he watched the candidates actually work with patients before he selected one. The dentist who took his place is very kind, has a good sense of humor, and does excellent work. I continue to see her many years after my old dentist retired.

You could also ask your retiring dentist if he can refer you to someone. He knows you as a patient, and may be able to recommend someone he knows that you would be comfortable with.

 

[mikron]

As a person he is great. But for the pain he stinks (just joking) not.

 

[KarenB]

He (and the entire office) knows that I have a huge fear of going to the dentist and no one makes me feel like a fool because of it. I can finally sleep the night before a cleaning and that is a huge step!

 

[Holly]

He's quiet.

I can't stand going to a dentist who talks a lot while they're working in my open mouth. I know they're wearing masks, but still.

 

[JessicaR]

NO pain. That makes him my Dentist.

 

[WDWBarb]

She's kind. I always get the same awesome hygienist. There are always cookies baking (and they do encourage you to eat them!). They have an incredible full-time hand masseuse for the "scary" procedures (and wow, it helps!). They also have early morning hours to fit my schedule.

She's also very fair. A few years ago her staff lost my charts AND my new crown. They discovered this when I went in to have it put on. She did new impressions and gave me the crown for free AND gave me a custom teeth whitening kit. I just love her.

 

[katibosch]

1. He's very nice to my whole family.
2. He sings to you while he is working on your teeth.
3. He lets me pay on installments. (DH and DD have no dental insurance )
4. He doesn't do extra things to them that they don't need, which saves us money.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

He uses nitrous.
He totally believes that I should feel no pain.
He doesn't tease me because of it.
I can get an appointment quickly.

 

[AverageDiser]

This may sound bizarre & backwards, but the best decision I made was choosing a Dentist who is only two years out of dental school. I needed a lot of work done (including getting a partial denture), he does conscious sedation and uses the most up to date techniques..which is wonderful! I had six teeth pulled at once and remembered nothing the next day, and within 3 days, the pain was completely gone. I had three fittings for the partial, and haven't had to get ANY adjustments to it at all, which is almost unheard of, it also fits like a glove. My Mother has a full set of dentures and is switching Dentists to go to him to get her new set. I really think his recent education made a huge difference.

 

[svhargis]

I love my dentist-He's my dad!
I used to have a t-shirt that said this when I was 5. I can say one big thing. If you have children, take them to a pediatric dentist if your insurance covers it. I know some people like to do the whole family at the general dentist but pedo dentists go an extra 2 years of dental school. Think of the process of baby teeth to adult teeth. once you have adult teeth, that is it, just check for cavities and polish. The End. Pedo Dentists have to take into account how the teeth will errupt, space, ortho, jaw alignment, speach, how perm teeth will errupt and if extra space is needed....etc.... I will never send my kid to a general dentist after working with my dad in this field for 16 years. Good Luck!

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

My dentist has fair prices and doesn't do things that I don't need. He's an older guy, and he's pretty quick with his work. The office isn't fancy and I don't really care about that. He did a white filling on one of my teeth ( extra cost is not covered by insurance) and I had to pay $85. I had one done in Arizona a few years ago and they charged me $280. The office was nice though!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

When I was in the market for a new dentist I felt the choices were overwhelming. I did a google search for "best dentists in metro detroit" and came across a magazine article by almost that exact name; "Best of Detroit." It listed the best of everything from restaurants, to contractors, to doctors, dentists, ect. One of the top rated dentists happened to be in my very own city, less than a 2 minute drive from home. I figured it was a good start so I made the kids appointments. I have not been disappointed. He's awesome. He is funny, kind, great with kids and adults, gentle touch, awesome with nervous patients, great hours, and it's easy to get appointments with him. He also has a great staff. After our first appointment the receptionist knew my whole family by name and even calls to check up on us if someone had a rough day in the dental chair. I am very pleased with our experience so far and would recommend him to anyone.