For many people, visiting the dentist can be stressful before even sitting in that chair. That’s why it’s important to find the right dentist for you that can help put your mind and ease and of course, do an excellent job in the maintenance of your oral health. If you’ve relocated or are simply on the hunt for a new dentist in Ottawa, here are a few important factors to consider when you’re searching.
The Location
First off, choosing a location that is convenient for you to travel to, is clearly a priority. Take a walk through your new neighbourhood and do a search online to see what dentists fall within the distance you’re willing to travel. Carlingwood Dental is conveniently located in Carlingwood Mall in the central/west area of Ottawa. It is close to neighbourhoods such as Westboro and McKellar and a short trip on the Queensway from Nepean, Britannia, Bayshore, Centrepointe, Pinecrest, and Bells Corners.
Office Hours
If you work during the day until late in the evening, you want to ensure that whatever dental office you select can accommodate your schedule with appointment slots in the early morning, evening, and weekends. If the office closes at 6 PM and you finish work at 5 PM, fighting through rush hour during the commute might not be worth it. Your best bet may be to keep looking. Carlingwood Dental is open from 8 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays to accommodate family, work, and school schedules.
After-Hours Emergency Care
If you need to see the dentist after-hours for an emergency, will that service be provided? Not all dental offices provide emergency or after-hours service. So if this is a significant concern for you, be sure to ask the offices that you are considering booking with.
Reputation
Once you’ve narrowed down a few of the locations, it’s always a good idea to do some research into the reputation of the clinic and the dentist. Ask family and friends or hop online to search for personalized reviews. These reviews will not only give you an idea of the quality of service, but give information about the comfort of the clinic, the helpfulness of the support staff, how they assist with dental phobia etc. So if you’re a person who feels unsettled each time you go for a cleaning, be sure to spend time finding a dentist who will make you feel like you’re in good hands.
Choosing a dentist is something that should be done with thought. There are many factors to consider rather than going with the first one you pass by on a whim. Without the convenience of the clinic and the confidence in your dentist, it can be easy to avoid those scheduled check-ups, which can affect your overall oral health. So before you make that first appointment with a new clinic, consider these factors beforehand so that you can choose the best dentist for you.
