Below are five useful tips to finding a highly qualified and proficient dentist in the UK.
1. Check the Registration
Before dental professionals such as dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists and technicians can practice dentistry legally in the UK, they have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). This is the body that regulates the dental profession in the UK. Before acquiring dental services, you can visit the GDC website to check if your prospective dental professional is registered and their academic qualifications. You can also use the GDC website to check the standards of care that you should expect from a dental professional such as the Dental Practice in Fleet.
Apart from being registered with the GDC, your prospective dental professional should also have registered their practice with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This is an independent body that regulates social care and health services in the UK. It also provides guidance and advice to prospective clients by offering regular inspection reports to help clients choose the best practice. You should check the websites of these two bodies to understand the standards of care in each dental facility when looking for any type of dental services.
2. Consider the Training and Qualifications of Your Prospective Dentist
Before becoming qualified to offer dental care, dental professionals must first undertake five years of undergraduate training which usually culminates in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This qualification usually allows dentists to add the abbreviations ‘BChD or ‘BDS’ after their names. Dental practitioners also have a duty to go through continuous training so as to hone their skills and techniques to the latest standards. When seeking a dentist, it is best that you choose a professional who has extra qualifications and a specialisation in the area where you need assistance. For example, some dentist may have extra qualifications allowing them to offer special care to clients who are seeking cosmetic dentistry services.
3. Consider the State of the Practice and the Assisting Dental Team
Ideally, you should seek dental services in a facility that is clean, hygienic, tidy and well organised. Additionally, the practice should be staffed by helpful and courteous employees. The dentist of choice should be very professional as they are carrying out their duties, patient and sympathetic to the plight of their patients. You should deal with a dentist that you are comfortable talking with.
Additionally, the right practice should have an upfront system of billing their clients. You should check to see whether your dental clinic has a written treatment plan that details the estimated costs of receiving treatment. Before choosing a dentist, it is also important that you consider the payment plans available. To avoid being caught in a bind, you should choose a practice that has very clear guidelines and policies on how to cancel appointments and make complaints.
4. Consider the Location and Flexibility of the Dentist
It is best that you choose a dental practice that you can access conveniently and go for check-ups without a hassle. If you have a full work schedule, it is best that you consider a dental professional with a flexible work schedule. If you have a family, you can also consider a professional who allows family bookings so that all your kids can get dental assistance all at once.
5. Consider the Services Offered
Today, most dental practices offer a wide range of services. It is important that you choose a dental professional who offers a wide range of services that can help you get the best oral hygiene and an appealing smile. When seeking a dentist, check out the websites of your prospective dentist to see if it is informative and up-to-date.
Additionally, it is also good that you consider if your dentist offers emergency treatment. Remember that dental emergencies can occur without warning. It is therefore best that you understand what your prospective dentist can accommodate in case of any emergence at any time of the day or night.