When was the last time you went to the dentist? Only 65% of adults visited the dentist in the last year, but we should be visiting every six months to ensure our teeth and mouth are healthy and free from cavities.
However, if you’re in the market for a new dentist, how can you be sure you’ve found the right one? Quality dental care can be hard to come by, with some dentists not giving patients the time and respect they deserve.
To help you out, keep reading to find seven warning signs that you have a bad dentist. If you do, time to move and find someone else—you need to work with a caring, reliable dentist.
- They’re Got a Bad Reputation
Reading reviews and testimonials is essential before choosing a dentist. If someone has a bad reputation, stay far away!
You can’t put a price on your health, and a dentist that doesn’t care about their patients or runs a poorly-managed clinic isn’t going to give you the medical care you need.
The best dentists have a positive reputation, so look for someone with positive reviews online. Look for a dentist with reviews that state they treat their patients with care, consideration, and respect.
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- Using Old Equipment
Dental technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in the last decade. New machinery and instruments are more precise, comfortable, and make it faster and easier for dentists to look after your dental health.
If your dentist is using old, outdated equipment, this is a sign they’re behind on the times. They’re likely not keeping up with the latest advancements in their field, which means you’re not getting the best dental care.
Plus, no one loves going to the dentist, so the right tools will make it as comfortable as possible for you.
- A Bad Dentist Is Someone Who Doesn’t Take Hygiene Seriously
Hygiene is one of the most important considerations when going to the dentist—otherwise, diseases can easily be spread from patient to patient due to cross-contamination.
Your dentist and their crew must take hygiene seriously—always wearing gloves, sanitizing equipment between patients, and keeping the office and patient areas clean.
Many diseases and pathogens can spread from blood, so don’t take the risk. If you don’t feel comfortable, tell your dentist you feel uncomfortable and don’t return to their practice.
- They Recommend Procedures Not Covered Under Your Insurance
Another sign that you’re in the wrong dental clinic is when they are constantly trying to upsell you expensive products and services that you don’t need.
Or, they are trying to push services on you that won’t be covered by your insurance policy—that is, making you pay out of pocket. This is a sneaky technique used by dishonest medical professionals to try to earn more money without going through insurers.
They’re trying to take advance of wealthy patients, so don’t fall for this. It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion from another dentist if you’re in doubt.
- Always Rushing
Does your dentist quickly rush in and out, leaving you feeling like you didn’t have any time to ask questions or address your concerns? Or, do you feel like you didn’t get a comprehensive examination because the dentist was too busy or distracted with something else?
Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon in medical professionals. Some dentists feel like they can let their dental hygienists do all the work, while they just sit back and take in the cash.
If you feel like your dentist isn’t making time for you, it’s time to look for a new dentist.
- You Can Never Make an Appointment
You’re trying to book in for a dental cleaning, but you just can’t make an appointment! Either the clinic is always booked up or you call and no one answers your calls.
In this case, it’s likely that the clinic is being poorly managed. They are trying to fit in too many patients to maximize their income, but they probably are overextending themselves.
It shouldn’t be that difficult to get an appointment with your dentist, so if they’re always full, this can be a red flag.
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- The Clinic Sees You as a Dollar Sign
A good dentist should value you as a person, getting to know you, your health issues, and should treat you with respect each time you come in for an appointment or call them.
However, if you feel like the dental clinic sees you as just a dollar sign, rather than a person, then it’s probably time to look elsewhere. Whether you or your insurer is paying, dental care is expensive, and you need to find someone who is genuine and ethical.
Sometimes, you just need to trust your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re not sure about your new dentist, then don’t be afraid to go elsewhere.
Watch Out for These Warning Signs When Looking for a Dentist
Oral health is extremely important for both kids and adults, so be sure to visit the dentist regularly. Use the tips above to avoid working with a bad dentist, as you need someone who takes your dental care seriously.
Instead, ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to find a dentist in your area. Once you find the right dentist for you and your family, you can enjoy years of caring, experienced dental care, knowing you’re in good hands.
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