One would think that if you want to find the best dentist in Toronto, you would need a list of 50 pre-requisites. The truth is, you only need to ask questions that are relevant FOR YOU, and be satisfied that you’ve found the best dentist in Toronto FOR YOU. A good dentist will take a vested interest in patients, including both oral health and general health. Your relationship might well become life-long, so the dentist who is focused on a prevention-oriented approach would be the preferable choice. Bottom line, finding the best dentist in Toronto means finding the dental practice that best satisfies your needs as a patient (and often your family).
At the outset, a good dentist will recommend doing a “full mouth study”, or will ask you for a set of x-ray films from your previous dentist. In addition, a comprehensive dental exam is also essential – and that would include the teeth, gums, and the inside of the mouth. All of this should be important when selecting the best dentist in Toronto, for yourself and your family. Now, depending on your specific priorities, you may also want to inquire about other aspects of the dentist’s practice: like the dentist’s experience and area of specialization; or the policy for dental insurance coverage; or the amount of any potential out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, for you, it may be necessary that the best dentist in Toronto will have office hours and after-hours access that suit your schedule.
Choosing the best dentist in Toronto also has to do with chemistry. Are you comfortable with the dentist and his demeanor? Do you feel that the dental staff is helpful and attentive? Do you find the office environment to be stress-free? Is the office clean, orderly and organized? While its true that not all these questions are relevant to everyone, YOU are choosing the best dentist in Toronto, so YOU have to prioritize what is important. Indeed, access to the dental office from your work or home might be important to you, while regular check-ups and follow-ups may be important for someone else.
Anyone looking for the best dentist in Toronto should naturally consider high-quality dental work as a very important factor. Quality dentistry takes time, and requires great attention to detail. This applies to both the dentist and the support staff, and once again, falls under the category of VERY IMPORTANT. A good dentist will chart your treatment history in detail, and will be able to provide those details to your regular doctor, if required. It’s also important that appointment time be available to discuss and consider treatment options, especially if there are financial affordability issues.
As a patient looking for the best dentist in Toronto, you may have additional questions and concerns beyond the more practical ones already mentioned. For example, emergency care might be a priority for you, based on your medical history and your needs. So, finding out about emergency protocols would be important. You may also prefer a dentist who maintains his standing with continuing education conferences and workshops – after all…you are looking for the best dentist in Toronto.
