Choosing a family cosmetic dentist can feel like a big task, especially if you expect to work with them for many years to come. To help guide you through this process, I’ve compiled a list of questions to consider when making your choice. 

Is the practice convenient for my family?

For some people this is a very important consideration, especially if they are planning on undergoing treatment that will need several appointments. Ask yourself how choosing this practice will fit into your family’s life and schedule. Is it close to where you live and/or easy to get to? Once you’re there, is it easy to park? Do the hours work with your family’s schedule?

 Does it work for me financially?

 Don’t think that this is a question simply of affordability or price. In dentistry, as with most things, you get what you pay for, and you should not choose a family cosmetic dentist on price alone. Rather, you should find out if the practice is a good financial fit for your family. Does it accept your insurance? If you don’t have insurance, will it work with you on payment plans?

Does the dentist have the training and experience I’m looking for?

 Look for a cosmetic dentist with extensive experience in the technique or treatment you’re interested in. For instance, at Villanova Dental Studio, we do a lot of treating TMJ and straightening teeth, which not all cosmetic dentists do. Look for a dentist’s training and experience on their website or visit in person and ask to see before-and-after pictures of real patients.        

Does the dentist get good reviews and recommendations? Does the practice?

 Online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s still a good idea to read reviews of the dentists and the practices you’re considering. If many negative reviews list the same thing, there’s a good chance it’s a problem. Even better, a rave review from someone you know personally is worth a dozen 5-star online reviews, so ask around for a recommendation.

Is the patient experience up to my standards?

 Before committing to a dentist for the long term, you can “try out” a practice by going for a cleaning and a simple consultation and ask yourself these questions afterwards. Was scheduling, check-in, and billing easy? Was everyone friendly and professional with you? Were the waiting room and treatment room clean, welcoming, and up-do-date? Did you like the dentist and trust their recommendations for treatment? There’s no need to suffer a bad patient experience, so consider this a top priority in a search for your family’s cosmetic dentist.

 Check out Villanova Dental Studio

 At Villanova Dental Studio, we make patient experience a top priority and combine it with extensive experience and cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional dental care. If you live in Ottawa, come visit us!