How do you choose a good dentist/ dental hygienist?!
Question: How do you choose a good dentist/ dental hygienist.?
I want to find a good dental hygienist since I only need cleanings. Is there a way that one can find out the quality of the dentist's hygienist.? I've went to "good" dentists but the hygienist wasn't up to par.
Thanks! Health Question & Answer
Thanks! Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Many offices have more than one hygienist. If that is the case, ask to try someone different next appointment. If your office only has one, then the only way to really know is by word of mouth. Ask friends and relatives who they see.
If you're going to switch offices, try going to a large practice that has multiple dentist. They will likely have several hygienists and you can try a different one every 6 months until you find one you like. Ask when you call to make an appointment, how many work there regularly and if it is ok to switch between them.
Most often, the front desk will know general personalities and techniques or each hygienist. For example, if they're talkative or quiet...rough or light handed. Tell them what you are looking for and they can match you up.
What you don't want to do is switch offices every 6 months. When we see records scattered across 3 offices in 3 years, it tends to make us think you are either inconsistent or very difficult to please. Which will in turn lead to (conscious or unconscious) sub-par treatment.
also, if you want to remain with the dentist you are currently seeing you could always try explaining what you would like done differently. However, I would recommend voicing your opinion directly and kindly to the hygienist. Not to the front desk or dentist. For example, you could say "I think you did a great job last time (even if you didn't...always lead with a complement), but I guess I'm still used to my last hygienist. Do you think you could...(fill in the blank with whatever you would prefer).
Hope this helps!Health Question & Answer
If you're going to switch offices, try going to a large practice that has multiple dentist. They will likely have several hygienists and you can try a different one every 6 months until you find one you like. Ask when you call to make an appointment, how many work there regularly and if it is ok to switch between them.
Most often, the front desk will know general personalities and techniques or each hygienist. For example, if they're talkative or quiet...rough or light handed. Tell them what you are looking for and they can match you up.
What you don't want to do is switch offices every 6 months. When we see records scattered across 3 offices in 3 years, it tends to make us think you are either inconsistent or very difficult to please. Which will in turn lead to (conscious or unconscious) sub-par treatment.
also, if you want to remain with the dentist you are currently seeing you could always try explaining what you would like done differently. However, I would recommend voicing your opinion directly and kindly to the hygienist. Not to the front desk or dentist. For example, you could say "I think you did a great job last time (even if you didn't...always lead with a complement), but I guess I'm still used to my last hygienist. Do you think you could...(fill in the blank with whatever you would prefer).
Hope this helps!Health Question & Answer