Are you unsure what kind of skills and qualifications a dentist should have? Learn more about it and the skills that the best dentist in Bedford should have.
60% of patients switch dentists after their first appointment. That said, when you work with the best dentist in Bedford, NH, you'll never want to switch to dentists again.
Many people report having a poor experience at the dentist's office. This is often because these patients don't know what to look for in a dentist.
If that sounds like you, then you need to know the top skills you should look for in dental office near me. That's why we're bringing you this guide.
Ready to find out how to hunt down the right Bedford, NH dentist for you? We're outlining the top skills to watch out for next, so you better keep reading for everything you need to know.
Oral Disease Diagnosis
The #1 job of a dentist is to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases. The most
common types of oral diseases are tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Cavities are a symptom of tooth decay. You may have a cavity if your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold or eating sugary sweets. Tooth stains, holes in your tooth, and toothaches are also signs of cavities.
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It occurs when bacteria build up in the gums, causing infection. Over time, gum disease can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and even loss of jawbone.
Using tobacco products makes you prone to developing oral cancer. Heavy drinking, sun exposure, and HPV can also increase your risk for oral cancer. Dentists administer screenings to catch oral cancer early before it progresses.
Oral Surgeries
Oral surgeons perform most surgeries on the mouth and jaw. However, a good general dentist should have experience with minor oral surgeries, including:
- Root canals
- Wisdom tooth removal
- General tooth extraction
- Dental implant surgery
Having a dentist near me perform these surgeries is far more convenient than seeking out an oral surgeon.
Oral Disease Prevention
The best dentists don't want you to get oral diseases. That's why they teach you preventative dental hygiene. With proper dental care, you can reduce your risk of the above diseases.
Your dentist will show you dental care skills like frequent brushing and flossing. He or she can also teach you how to eat a nutritious diet to encourage oral health naturally.
Dentists also perform procedures to ward off early signs of disease. Bi-annual teeth cleanings are one of the top ways to prevent diseases and ensure proper oral care.
But say your teeth do start to show signs of cavities or gum disease. Your dentist can then use cavity fillings and tooth sealants to halt the disease's progress.
Treatment Plans
Sometimes, preventing oral diseases isn't enough. When your dental health is compromised, a dentist in Bedford, NH can prescribe treatment plans. Common treatments that help improve oral health include:
- Gingivitis treatments
- Fluoride treatments
- Crowns, dentures, and implants
- Inlays and onlays
Dentists can also recommend treatments for mouth-related conditions. For example, say you suffer from sleep apnea or TMD/TMJ. Then, a dentist can help recommend techniques and surgeries to reduce your discomfort.
Finally, many dentists offer cosmetic dentistry. Aligners, whitening, and veneers are all common treatments for cosmetic oral issues.
X-Ray and Diagnostic Test Administration
We've already mentioned that dentists can administer oral cancer screenings. But they should also have skills in general x-rays of the teeth, gums, and jaws.
These diagnostic tests are critical for diagnosing oral disease and other dental issues.
Prescription Administration
You may not know that dentists can prescribe medications. Your dentist should be skilled at administering the following:
- Analgesics (pain relievers)
- Antibiotics
- Antiseptics (to reduce infection)
- Dry mouth medications
- Sedative medications (anxiolytics)
Prescribing medication is usually a minor part of a dentist's role.
Anesthetic Administration
Novocaine and lidocaine are common anesthetics used in general dentistry. These numbing agents help reduce discomfort during painful procedures. Your dentist should be skilled at administering anesthetics like these.
Customer Service
What sets an okay dentist apart from the best dentist in Bedford? Dentists offering a high-quality patient experience will win out every time. That's why the dentist you choose needs to have customer service skills.
A good dentist knows that it's the patients who make the practice. They'll value your time, treat you with respect, and make you feel important. Here are some things to look out for in a good dental clinic:
- The receptionist greets you when you come through the door
- The staff address you by your first name
- The dentist is observant and communicates with you well
- The staff seems genuinely interested in you and your well-being
- The staff and the dentist keep you in the know at all times
- The office is neat and clean
- The dentist explains all your treatment options and carries out all treatment plans
- The office bills you promptly, accurately, and without any surprise charges
One other thing to look for is wait times. No one likes to wait. And when you've taken off work or paid a babysitter to be at your appointment, your time is literally money.
High-quality dentists in Bedford know this. They don't treat you as if their time is worth more than yours. And they won't keep you waiting more than 10 minutes for your appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment With the Best Dentist in Bedford, NH
A good dentist has the skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent poor oral health. But the best dentists go above and beyond. They offer customers an unforgettable patient experience that wows every time.
Are you in need of the best dentist in Bedford?
Call Dental Arts of Bedford to schedule an appointment with a highly skilled dentist around me.
