Your dentist—and the members of their team—are essential members of your health care team.
Your health depends greatly on your ability to communicate with and trust your doctors, nurses, dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, etc. If you’re feeling like your dentist isn’t listening or you’re uneasy about the treatment you’re receiving, your health suffers.
Before your next medical or dental appointment, evaluate your relationship. If you’re dreading your next dental appointment, it may be that your dentist isn’t a good fit.
9 Reasons to Dump Your Dentist Immediately
- * Your dentist violates your rights—including your right to privacy.
- * Your dentist makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.
- * Your dentist jeopardizes your health.
- * Your dentist provides a diagnosis and treatment plan without explaining or entertaining alternatives.
- * Your dentist discourages you from seeking a second opinion, especially for complicated procedures.
- * Your dentist’s staff is unprofessional and rude.
- * Your dentist’s office is dirty.
- * Your dentist makes you feel rushed; not listening to your concerns or answering your questions.
- * But, your dentist makes you wait. And wait. And wait.
It’s not me, it’s you
If you’re ready to change doctors—or dentists—these steps should make the transition easier:
Request your records.
Request a copy of your records from your soon-to-be former dentist either in person or via email or certified letter. Often this can take some time and follow up. Do so as soon as you’ve decided to switch dental practices.
Identify your new dentist.
There are a number of resources for identifying medical providers. Your insurance company’s website, Healthgrades, friends and colleagues, and—our favorite—My New Smile, all come to mind.
Schedule your visit.
Check with your insurance company and the dental practice to ensure they’re in your network.
Set expectations.
Write down a master list of questions for your new dentist to discuss when you visit. You may also want to share your grievance with your former dentist, politely. This will establish the boundaries and guidelines that you expect when in his care.
In a symbiotic relationship, neither party can thrive without the other. Your dentist fixes problems and provides a deeper treatment. For the best results, it’s up to you to invest in your oral health through good life choices and consistent dental hygiene.
As a young boy, Dr. Arnold knew he wanted to be a dentist. Dr. E.I. Scrivner, Jr. was a family friend. And, getting to know him led young Fred to fall in love with the profession. Dr. Arnold is now recognized as one of the leading cosmetic dentists in the country. He’s accredited in cosmetic dentistry, and a former Chairman of Accreditation for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Arnold is a former member of the United States Air Force. He and his wife, Holly, live in Lexington, Kentucky where they’re raising their three daughters.
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