There are many signs of a bad dentist. The most obvious one is that the patient must return multiple times because of a severe, long-term problem. The second sign is when the patient needs a lot of dental work, but they do not provide the predicted quality treatment or good care.
The third sign is when the dentist does not explain what will happen during certain stages of treatment; this can lead to situations where you might need more expensive treatments than originally expected. Another warning sign would be when you must wait for over 48 hours for appointments and services, which can cause frustration and anxiety about your health condition.
Dentists who entrust almost everything to their assistants
Some dentists have assistants who perform most of their work. This is mostly because they delegate so much. Some dentists do not make any tooth extractions but only place the teeth of a mouth in their proper spaces, thus avoiding a lot of work altogether. Some dentists might be very excited about training someone new. But they should realize that the new dentist will take advantage of them, rather than being grateful for the opportunity. Do not teach an assistant unless you have a good reason.
– If you train them, then treat them well.
-If you do not train them and they leave and take clients with them, do not blame other dentists for it; it is your own fault for not even implementing a worthwhile apprentice’s program!
-Do not train them to extract teeth because most of the time they do more harm than good.
-Do not say that you can train them on how to communicate with clients, when that is not something they can learn.
Dentist who changes their mind about the treatment required for a patient. This can be a sure sign of bad dentistry as the dentist will probably end up doing unnecessary procedures and this will usually delay or even cancel the initial treatment plan.
Dentists who speak over the phone during a surgical procedure on you
Some dentists will take phone calls or talk to other patients while you are undergoing a surgical procedure. This is invasive and inconsiderate! You are the one who is paying for this service!
-When you may need full concentration, such as during a root canal procedure, it can have consequences.
-If the dentist does this, then he is not the person you should be around for your oral health.
-Such dentists will find out that patients are more interested in quality than cost and will think twice before talking on the phone again.
If these signs seem familiar, then you should probably find a new dentist and make sure they do not fit into any of these categories before signing any contracts.
Suggesting expensive operations for diminutive tooth problems
Dentists often recommend expensive interventions to fix minimally significant problems. However, good dentistry involves minimal intervention and delivering care in a way that is appropriate for the patient’s needs.
-If you notice your dentist requesting expensive work, then you should look for a new one.
-Some patients may request expensive procedures to make the dentist happy, but this is a bad idea.
Pricing
Dentists often practice under false cost pressures by failing to clearly inform their patient what it will cost. A simple statement about pricing would help patients realize that dentistry is not as costly as it seems.
-Do not give the dentist any additional money for procedures. If you do, then don’t complain if the dentist is too busy to inform you of a reasonable cost beforehand. -If you cannot afford a procedure, then find a new dentist.
-Be sure to ask about the cost of procedures before signing any contracts.
-Talk to other patients and see what their experience is with that dentist and ask them about the price of procedures so you can make an informed decision.
Manhandled by the dental chair for not staying still
Some dentists will manhandle you when you refuse to remain still on the dental chair.
-This is an offense against your dignity and should not be tolerated.
-If you are considering visiting a dentist who does this, then think about the long-term consequences, not just the short-term benefits of taking care of your teeth.
-Attempting to make such a person conform by force is unethical and disrespectful to that person’s human rights.
Dentists who only take cash
– This can be problematic because there are patients without credit cards, which means they cannot receive treatment! Patients without credit cards need to find dentists that accept all forms of payments so they can get help with their dental work. -Some dentists will not accept cash, or only accept it in small amounts.
-Even if they accept money, they may not accept payment by cash or other means.
-The lack of a way to pay can cause problems in the long run.
-If possible, try to talk to the dentist about accepting all forms of payments.