Choosing the Family Dentist: What to Look For?

by Kevin Smith Author

For most of us, choosing the best family dentist in San Antonio, TX is a chore. There are a lot of things to consider, not the least of which is making sure the Dentist is a good fit for the entire family. As you go through your decision-making process, here are some general things to consider.

Skill and Touch

The most approachable Dentist in the world is useless if they do not have the skills needed or a staff that is skilled. The most skilled Dentist in the world is useless if they are unapproachable or scary to your family members. Visiting with your potential Dentist is a good idea to get a feel for their skill set and their “bedside manner.”

Proximity

A Dentist that is easy to get to for the entire family is tough enough to find for regular visits. Add to that mix the need to get to them when there is a dental emergency and proximity becomes a high priority. If you choose a dentist that is a hike-and-a-half to get to, the prospect of having to drive a miserable child (or teen or spouse) with a toothache to get dental care becomes more likely. If the dental issue is trauma, that trip becomes even all the more miserable.

Technologically Current

New developments in dental care can happen at any time. Making sure your Dentist is aware of them and incorporates them as is appropriate is key to making sure your family gets the best and latest in dental advancement. While you do not want a Dentist that will try any new idea that emerges, you do want one that is open to new technologies, particularly if it means more comfort for their patients.

Flexibility

Families have “family needs,” which means their schedule is always fluid. That makes your Dentist’s ability to meet your schedule demands very important. If they are not available on weekends or after work hours, you may want to look elsewhere.

Special Needs

Some Dentists are selective in what they are good at. Others are “jack-of-all-trades.” Still, others are good at a lot but really good at only a little. If your family has special dental needs, you need to make sure before you commit to a new Dentist that they can handle your entire family’s unique dental requirements. If they cannot, but are still a good fit, ask them if they can and are willing to provide referrals for specialized dental care to meet your family’s unique needs.

Choosing a Dentist is never easy. Choosing a Dentist for an entire family presents its own, unique challenge. If you are looking for the best family Dentist in San Antonio, TX, follow this advice to make sure you get the best fit.