Here are the questions you should ask a potential dentist

January 15, 2025

Choosing a new dentist can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

At Smile Circle we know finding and selecting a new dentist can be a daunting task, especially for those who are fearful of the dentist or who aren’t sure what they need. For those looking for a general dentist, or children’s dentistry it can be tough to find the right family dentistry that you can trust.

Whether you’re searching for the best dentist near me, a dentist in Andover, or a dentist in Poole, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure your dentist is a good fit for your needs.

In this blog, we’re going to discuss the questions you need to ask to make an informed decision on choosing your next dentist.

1. What are your qualifications and experience?

Knowing your dentist’s credentials and experience is essential. Ask them about their experience and their specialist training. This is especially important if you’re looking for a dentist to help you with cosmetic or restorative dentistry. Knowing they specialise in what you’re after will help you feel confident you’ve picked the right dentist for you. Whether you’re visiting an NHS dentist or a private dentist, you want to be confident in their abilities.

2. What services do you offer?
This is simple, yet important.

A great dental practice will offer comprehensive services that meet your needs, this will mean you don’t have to be referred to other practices should you need treatment. If you’re happy with just family dentistry, make sure they provide all general treatments that you and your family may need, including children’s dentistry, as often this isn’t provided.

If you’re seeking a “dentist near me”, find out if they provide the specific treatments you’re looking for, regardless of whether they are an NHS dentist or a private dentist.

3. How do you handle nervous patients?

If you have a dental phobia or just feel uneasy at the dentist, we understand, you’re not alone. Speaking to the dentist about how they support those with dental phobia can be helpful. They can also discuss whether they offer sedation in the practice if you need it.

This is an important factor whether you’re considering a dentist in Andover or a dentist in Poole. Finding a dentist who can help you stay calm and comfortable can make all the difference.

4. What Are Your Payment Options and Fees?

Before committing to a dental practice, you can ask them about their payment options. Some dentists now offer finance plans should you need bigger treatment and others may have a dental practice plan which allows you to spread the cost of your routine dental treatment over the year and offer exclusive discounts on treatments you may need.

If you’re looking for treatment on the NHS, it’s essential you also dicsuss whether they have NHS spaces available and if not what the waitlist may be.

Whether you’re seeing a private dentist or an NHS dentist, having clarity on costs is essential for budgeting your dental care.

5. How do you keep up with the latest dental technology?

Dentistry is fast evolving, with many advancements and modern technology. These advancements can greatly improve the experience you have at your dentist. Asking your dentist how they stay up to date, or what their latest technology is, is a great way to see how advanced the practice is.

Whether you’re searching for the “best dentist near me” or a dentist in Hampshire, ensuring they use the latest technology can give you peace of mind.

6. What Is your emergency care policy?

Dental emergencies are not something you can always plan for, they’re typically unexpected and untimely. Knowing how the dental practice you’re going to be going to operate their emergency appointments is important. Find out their bandwidth for emergencies, their opening time and how quickly you can expect to be seen.

If you’re someone who has active dental problems, this is even more important to know this information.

Whether you’re looking for an NHS dentist or a private dentist, it’s important to feel assured that help will be available when you need it most.

Asking these questions can help you feel more confident in your choice of dentist, whether you’re looking for a dentist in Dorset, a dentist in Hampshire, dental implants Hampshire specialist or simply the “best dentist near me”.

At Smile Circle, we can help you find the right dentist for your needs. Whether you’re searching for a dentist in Andover, a dentist in Poole, or any other location, our network of trusted NHS dentists and private dentists can help.

Smile Circle has provided care for over 20,000 patients, so we know how to ensure you’re in the best hands possible!

For more information, visit smilecircle.com and let us assist you in finding a “dentist near me” that’s right for you. On the Smile Circle website, you have the ability to search via needs so if you’re looking for a dental implants Hampshire specialist you can search directly for that!