We all know we’re supposed to take care of our teeth. Ever since you were a kid, you have heard about how important it was to brush your teeth. Even kids’ shows tout the benefits of dental care. Our teams at Cashmere Family Dentistry in Wenatchee and Cashmere Family Dentistry in Cashmere believe that dental hygiene should begin as early as possible. That said, regular dental checkups should also be part of your treatment. After all, a dentist may detect a problem you might not know about. And early detection is vital for preventing potentially more significant issues. To aid you in your search, here are a few questions to ask before choosing a dentist.
Asking the Right Questions
Hiring someone to take care of your teeth might feel daunting. Especially if you’ve been unsatisfied with your past experiences. Feel free to write down a list of questions you’d like to ask a dentist. We recommend starting with the following:
- What do current or former patients say?
- What kinds of services and treatments do they offer?
- What qualifies them to have you as a patient?
Talk with Current or Former Patients
A dental service might tell you what they want you to hear about their work. But what about the regular people who’ve been to see them? Indeed their opinions have to count for something! Satisfied customers yield income for dentists. Since you’re the one paying for the service, your feedback matters.
Look through your network and ask for personal referrals for a local dentist’s office. Chances are, someone you know can suggest a quality office. If the same dentist’s name comes up more than once, now you’ve got somewhere to start! If that doesn’t work out, try asking your network for recommendations via social media.
The Power of Google and Social Media
Speaking of social media, it can offer you input on selecting your next dentist. Curious about a provider? Google them! Social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can give you access to customer reviews. But don’t forget about Google itself. Googling a dentist’s name can also show you their Google reviews.
Not sure how to do that? No worries, Cashmere Family Dentistry will show you how. Head over to Google. For our example, search for “busk family dentistry.” Next, you’ll see the search engine results page. On the right of that page, you’ll see maps and photos of our office. Beneath that, you’ll see a row of four gray rectangle-shaped buttons:
- Website
- Directions
- Save
- Call
Under those buttons, you’ll see a row of gold stars next to a rating. As of this blog post, Cashmere Family Dentistry has a rating of 4.9 based on 187 patient reviews. Those reviews come from real, flesh-and-blood human beings just like you. That’s how you know you can trust these reviews.
Look for Services and Treatments
You’ve established some solid recommendations from either your network or from online reviews. Now, you’re ready to ask a second important question. You need to know what treatments and services a dentist’s office provides. Our teams in Cashmere and Wenatchee give patients access to the following services:
- General dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Restorative dentistry
General Dentistry
General dentistry is just what it sounds like – routine checks and cleanings. Dr. Janie, Dr. Ryan, and Dr. Danielle suggest you schedule one of these exams every six months. Depending on your exam results, the doctors may schedule a digital X-ray. Even though you’re brushing and flossing well, you’ll still receive a regular cleansing. We do this every time you come in to ensure plaque doesn’t creep up on you…blegh!
Exams like these help make sure your teeth get the care you need. Brushing, flossing, and fluoride rinses are excellent habits. Keeping regular appointments allows our staff the chance to get into those hard-to-reach places.
Cosmetic Dentistry
One of the first things we see when we meet new people is their smiles. Many of the patients at our Wenatchee and Cashmere locations report being insecure about the color of their smiles. We understand that life happens to you. It happens to your teeth too. Cosmetic options can improve not only your smile but how you feel about your smile. To that end, we support you with services like:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign retainers
Restorative Dentistry
Sometimes our teeth need a little more special attention. Restorative dentistry helps by giving teeth the shape and consistency they deserve. If your teeth were damaged in an accident or worn away from illness, Cashmere Family Dentistry can help you get your smile back.
Our restorative dentistry services are:
- Dental implants
- Dentures & partials
- Crown & bridge therapy
- Root canal therapy
Be Inquisitive about Qualifications
Your teeth are essential. So, think of a dentist as a consultant. A dentist is someone you hire to give you the best possible dental care. If you were interviewing dentists, what kind of things would you want to know? Why their qualifications, of course! Ask your dentist questions like:
- Where did they go to dental school?
- Where did they complete their residency?
- How long have they been practicing?
But behind the education and schooling is a more profound matter. And that is purpose. Remember…mouths can be gross. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 700 different kinds of microbes live in the human mouth. Why would a person want to spend all their working hours dealing with microscopic bacteria and fungi? Ask your dentist about the reasons why they do what they do. What meaning do they find in their work? Beneath the simple need to work and pay bills, what value do they see in their career? Find that out, and you’ll likely identify your new dentist.
Busk Orthodontics Wants You!
Dr. Janie, Dr. Ryan, and Dr. Danielle intend to earn not only your business but also your trust. Our patient reviews speak for themselves. Both our Cashmere and Wenatchee locations supply state-of-the-art services. Lastly, we have the qualifications, the resolve, and the depth of purpose to give you the most outstanding dental experience in the region.
Schedule an appointment here, and we’ll see you soon!
