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Medically reviewed by Dr Jerry Jesin — By Andrea Galick

What To Look For In A Cosmetic Dentist

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Whether you need some work done after recovering from an accident or want to correct some issue with the teeth that has bothered you for years, it pays to compare what different cosmetic dentists in the area have to offer. As with any type of medical professional, not all cosmetic dentists are alike. If you are not sure what qualities would make a particular dentist the right choice for you, take a look at the following. By keeping these factors in mind, you will find the right professional and be happy with the results.

Education and Training

One of the first areas you want to explore is what sort of education and training the local cosmetic dentist brings to the table. Start with where the professional received the initial training and what sort of certifications resulted. Remember to also look into what the dentist has done in terms of ongoing educational pursuits. When you find that the dentist makes it a point to participate in continuing education programs designed to keep the professional up to date on the latest in cosmetic dental procedures, spending time finding out more about the professional is worth the effort.

Memberships and Associations

What types of professional organizations does the dental professional belong to at present? You can learn quite a bit by knowing the professional regularly networks with other North York cosmetic dentists. Perhaps the dentist also participates in local associations that provide dental advice to the less fortunate for free. Those types of activities convey the impression that the dentist is invested in the local community and committed to provide the best possible support to his or her patients.

Up to Date Equipment

Most dental professionals maintain websites that include basic information about their practices. Did you know that visiting the website will often provide clues about the type of equipment used to provide the best in cosmetic dentistry to patients? Perhaps the information comes in the form of images of the exam rooms or maybe the site does into a little more detail about the quality of the equipment itself. In any case, knowing that the dentist places a lot of importance on having the right resources on hand is definitely a plus.

A Convenient Location

With cosmetic dentists found throughout the area, why would you want to see one who is located on the other side of town? Wouldn’t it be nice to find one who has all the qualifications you want and also happens to be located closer to home or work? In many cases, it is possible to combine expertise with a location that works for you.

Consider the fact that you may or may not be returning to work after undergoing some sort of cosmetic dental procedure. When the recommendation is that you take the rest of the day off and rest, you want the trip home to be a relatively short one. Even though someone else will be doing the driving, it pays to keep things as simple as possible. Avoiding the potential for getting caught in heavy traffic is easier when the dental office happens to be no more than a few minutes away from home.

A Professional and Organized Staff

When you evaluate the merits of a local cosmetic dentist, it’s not just the dental professional proper that must be considered. You also want to get an idea of how well the staff takes care of patients. You can tell a lot by checking out the short biographies found on the practice’s website. Even getting an idea of how many people are on staff provides some sense of what sort of attention you’ll receive while in the office.

Positive Reviews From Current and Past Patients

You’ll find that just about all of the North York cosmetic dentists are the subjects of online reviews and ratings. There are a number of sites that provide patients with the opportunity to submit comments and leave ratings based on their experiences with specific dental professionals. The details found in those reviews will go a long way in helping you get a better idea of what to expect from a given cosmetic dentist.

Reviews often provide insight into things like how long patients wait after showing up for their appointments on time, the general demeanor of the office staff, and how much time the dental professional takes with each patient. You’ll also learn a bit about how well the professional North York dentist tends to interact with each patient. Since you want someone who will listen to what you have to say as well as ask questions designed to help you make sound choices, that information is essential.

It never hurts to augment those online reviews with any recommendations or comments that people you know want to share. That includes friends, relatives, neighbours, and coworkers. They may have personal experience with one of the cosmetic dentists you’re considering. If so, their comments will certainly help you decide if learning more about a particular professional is worth the time.

Trusting Your Instincts

Even after you gather as much information as possible, the choice still boils down to your instincts. Which of the experts in cosmetic dentistry on your list seem to be a good fit for what you have in mind? Spend some time going through all the data you’ve collected and identify the top three that you like. From there, it’s a matter of choosing the one you think would be best and scheduling a consultation.

Remember that a consultation is not a commitment on your part. If you feel any hesitation during the appointment, it’s fine to end things and move on to the next name on your list.

If you are looking for the right cosmetic dentist, don’t rush into any decision. Take your time and learn all you can about each professional in the area. Once you take into account everything you learn and combine it with your impression during the first meeting, it will be easy to know if the choice is clear or if you need to keep looking.

When searching for the perfect cosmetic dentist, it's important not to rush into any decision. Taking your time to make an informed choice can make all the difference in achieving the smile you've always wanted. At Smile By Design Clinic, we understand the significance of this decision and are here to provide you with the highest level of care.

Andrea Galick

Andrea Galick is an accomplished Dental Hygienist (RDH) with a passion for helping patients achieve optimal oral health. Andrea has built a reputation as a caring and skilled practitioner who puts her patients at ease and provides individualized care that meets their unique needs.

416-800-1581

North York Smile Centre
5 Park Home Ave #130,
North York,
ON M2N 6L4