The total number of registered dentists in the United States currently stands at over 200,419. As of 2019, these numbers represented 61.1 dentists for every 100, 000 Americans. Considering that 31.6% of Americans aged 20-44 currently have untreated dental caries, the ratio of dentists to patients is still low. 

The days of untrained dentists are long gone. Today, every dental specialist you deal with should have a valid degree and adequate experience to handle intricate dental concerns. However, above the professional qualifications, some unique qualities also form part of what makes a good dentist.  

Have you been wondering what characteristics of a dentist you need to consider in your quest for dental services? Here we discuss the main qualities of a good dentist. 

Extensive Knowledge 

The role of a dentist is intricate. There’s a lot that goes into taking care of the dental needs of multiple patients. As such, dentists need to have vast knowledge related to science and oral health.

Most seasoned dentists conduct extensive research to diversify their knowledge. Further, the field of dentistry keeps evolving. Without keeping up with the changing scope of expertise in the practice, it may be hard to deal with the ever-changing dynamics in oral health care.

Amassing diverse knowledge helps dentists to identify and address even the most complex dental problems. 

Up-to-date With Technology   

Nothing makes a dentist stand out more than being receptive to new technology.

The overall healthcare landscape has warmed up to technology, and dentistry isn’t an exception. Any dentist worth their salt should ensure that they remain up-to-date with all the latest dentistry innovations.

Today, advancements such as dental 3D printers and laser dentistry form part of the most current sector innovations. A seasoned dentist should be able to incorporate such changes into their practice.

The use of modern technology is a deal-breaker when patients are searching for a reliable dentist. Visit www.parksmile.net to contact some of the best dentists with top-of-the-class equipment who are ready to handle family dentistry and orthodontics issues.  

Politeness

Personalities aside, dentists always need to remain professional when offering services. Politeness is among the core qualities of a dentist that should set a good practitioner a bar above the rest. When looking for a dentist, courteousness in their handling of patients should not be negotiable.

Regardless of how qualified a dentist is, if they lack politeness, they aren’t worth your top dollar. Granted, people have varying temperaments. However, a dentist should be able to display the highest level of politeness when dealing with patients. 

Could you be wondering what makes a good dentist? Exercising courtesy should be at the core of building patient loyalty. 

Unmatched Communication Skills 

When you walk into a dentist’s office, you are desperate for answers. You would wish to understand the problem, and the only individual with such information is the dentist. It’s essential to deal with a dentist who can communicate with coherence and authority.

A dentist with impeccable communication skills should be able to educate patients on their underlying conditions. They should also be able to provide adequate information on treatment and preventive care. When choosing a dentist, you should be careful to consider their ability to communicate and restore their confidence. 

Honesty and Compassion 

When looking for a reliable dentist, your focus should be on the inherent ability to show compassion. A professional dentist should be sensitive to the patients’ needs.  A toothache can be an uncomfortable experience, and you want to meet and share your pain with a dentist who shows the highest level of compassion in their handling of patients.  

While compassion is one thing, honesty is the other factor that matters in dentists. 

It would help if you considered a dentist who is candid when it comes to your oral health. Honesty also means that the dentist should offer frank advice on preventive care, especially where the underlying dental issues are due to poor dental hygiene.

Passionate About Offering Dental Services  

Americans are still not seeing a dentist as much as they would wish. It might take a unique extent of passion for a seasoned dentist to meet the underlying gap in dental care. Part of the reason why most Americans don’t see dentists as often is due to a lack of access.

A reliable dentist should be willing to go out of their way to offer dental care. Handling a human mouth isn’t always the most pleasant activity. As such, it takes passion when dealing with every dental issue presented to a dentist.

Friendliness 

Patients arrive at a healthcare setting scared and confused. It’s worse when the problem is a persistent toothache. You would wish that your first interaction with a dentist will be warm and welcoming. Interpersonal skills such as communication are one thing, but being friendly and welcoming is another aspect.

An incredible dentist should be able to extend care at first sight and be reassuring. No patient wants to deal with a dentist who seems distracted and overly aloof. Professionalism in dentistry involves a high level of responsiveness in the handling of patients. 

Dexterity Is Key Part of What Makes a Good Dentist 

Handling dental issues isn’t a child’s play. A seasoned dentist should be able to show unparalleled prowess when handling dental-related problems. Dexterity is among the most important qualities when managing patients.

Your dentist should show impeccable skills with their hands to minimize the risk of injuries during tooth extraction or other procedures. Dexterity helps to improve coordination and enhance a dentist’s ability to deliver. 

It’s Time to Visit a Reliable Dentist 

Dental hygiene is an essential part of your overall health. Even so, Americans still don’t visit a dentist as often as they would want. Part of the reason you need to take your time when choosing a dentist is to minimize the risk of dealing with quacks. 

While professional qualification is essential, these eight qualities should also matter before consulting a dentist. Ultimately you want to deal with an expert who also has a humane side when seeking dental care.  

Are you wondering, “What makes a good dentist?” Each of these merits should matter.

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