Willoughby is a popular suburb in Sydney with excellent proximity to the CBD. It is highly convenient and so there are many options to choose from when searching for a Willoughby dentist, so how do you ensure that you’ve found the right one for you? Settling on a Willoughby dentist is a highly personal decision and one that you should take the time to properly consider, especially if you get anxious during dental procedures. It’s important to find a health practitioner that you trust and feel comfortable with.
So, what should you think about when choosing? Check out our tips below for guidance on which boxes your Willoughby dentist should check before you make an appointment.
Location
Location matters, especially when it comes to your dental health. If you’re searching for a Willoughby dentist then there’s a good chance you already know this. Finding a facility that in close proximity not only makes your life easier when you need to attend appointments but also means that you will have a dental practitioner you feel comfortable with close by in the event of an emergency. Before you settle on a new Willoughby dentist, make sure they are close enough for you to easily get to them. You don’t want to be traveling for long periods to attend your appointments. Luckily there are plenty of options in the area with specialists capable of attending to a range of needs, from general dentistry to orthodontics and emergency situations. It’s a good idea to look around and find a practitioner that meets your needs in your area.
Opening hours
Another thing you should keep in mind is the operational hours of the facilities you are considering. Some dental offices will keep normal 9-5 business hours, whilst others will stay open later or even remain open for 24 hours for urgent care. For people who work normal business hours, it can be very inconvenient to be a patient at a dental office that closes at 5pm and on weekends. You will have to leave work in the middle of the day for an appointment. If you work a full-time job then it’s a good idea to find a facility that is open after 5pm. It’s also a very good idea to find a Willoughby dentist with an after-hours number or emergency care hours. You don’t want to be left unprepared in the event of an emergency.
Qualifications and certifications
It is equally important to consider the qualifications of your potential dental practitioner. There are a number of different specialisations in the dental field so it’s important to consider your dental needs and find someone who is fully qualified to perform the work you need. It is extremely important that you choose a fully qualified professional with the right certifications, it is a legal requirement in Australia and poorly performed dental procedures can have terrible consequences.
If you’re not sure about your dental professionals’ qualifications you can usually find information online, and they will often have their degrees hanging in their offices. If you’re not sure you can simply ask or check with the regulatory board of Australia.
How comfortable do they make you?
It is of equal importance that you find a dental practitioner that you feel as ease with. Dental appointments can be stressful, so it’s important you find someone who explains procedures to you properly and who takes the time to make you feel comfortable. If you feel like you cannot comfortably communicate with them then it can lead to less than desirable outcomes.