Good/bad dentists

Sherbetlover

My orthodontist talked continually to the nurse throughout my treatment and never once addressed me. At the end after taking my braces off he slapped on a permanent retainer that he had never told me about or even mentioned and then said it was all done. Really irritating. It wasn't as if I was twelve either, I was nineteen at the time!
Always tell the patient what you are doing and maybe show some interest in something other than your next skiing holiday!

choccyface2006

My ortho, and dental nurses are so freindly and funny that its almost a pleasure going to see them. Recently my consultant had me in stitches, he has an absolutly wicked sense of humour which really helps.

I did go to a dental practice that was very odd I thought, it was always deserted apart from a couple of staff (The dental nurse only looked 10!!) When I took my children for their first check ups they were whisked away and I was not allowed in the room with them, I was stunned and we changed dentists soon after!

Sarah x

bestpud

My dentist is great because:

he puts my children at ease and does things like give the little one a 'ride' in the chair

he always says exactly what he is going to do when doing fillings etc - I hate surprises!

he says to raise our hand if we want him to stop - and he does stop immediately if we do so

I never seem to go numb completely, sometimes not at all, but he understands my fears about this and never carries on regardless!

he obviously has a very good working relationship with the dental nurse and they both seem very happy in their jobs

appointments never appear rushed and we are usually seen within about 5 minutes of the appt time

patients are kept well informed if he is running late and if he is going over by more than 30 minutes, they begin ringing people further down the list to ask if they want to reschedule or come in a bit later

he keeps up with new technology and techniques but always informs patients of the pros and cons of different things, including costs

A bad dentist imho is one who does not talk to patients, ignores their fears or does not respond when they say they are in pain

hth

bestpud

abbecer

smile!! Then peoples first impression of you will be friendly and approachable. My dentist is an absolute star and is fantastic with my two boys. We actually look forward to going so that we can see her and have a bit of a chat.

Rebecca xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Savvy_Sue

abbecer wrote:

smile!! Then peoples first impression of you will be friendly and approachable.

As long as your own teeth are in excellent nick ... :rotfl:

eyelinerprincess

Lol. Had the whole "it shouldn't be hurting..." thing...Oh yeah? Then WHY do I still feel that damn drill?!

And my old dentist had a number of complaints against him, heard stories of a woman in her mid 20s being chastised like a 12 year old and he was generally not very nice to anyone.

gooismeid

I agree absolutely with the listening to patients thing (which is what the "it shouldn't be hurting" thread is all about!). My husband - and, indeed, all three of his siblings - are odd in many ways, but as far as dentists are concerned they are a bit freaky because they have an odd extra bit of nerve in some of their teeth, which means that normal injections don't numb the area entirely. They all thought they were total wusses until one lovely dentist did some investigations and found out what the problem was!

lottee

A very sympathetic understanding dentist, who doesn't have an emergency resuscitation kit on show as you make your way to the dreaded chair. I AM serious! I would rather give birth 10 times (& my son was 9lb + !) than go to the dentist, I am petrified, & seeing that 'piece of kit' the last time, just confirmed again all my fears!

Toothsmith

The problem is 'elf 'n safety' states it should be in an easily accessible and well marked location.

If you were ever in need of it, you wouldn't want it hidden in the back of a cupboard somewhere!

To put it in context though, I have never needed any of the drugs in the drugs kit (Nor have my patients ) and we've only needed the oxygen cylinder twice in 20 years of being qualified - and even with them, I'm sure a good slap would have been just as effective:p !!!!!

Can you not just find it reassuring that you are in an establishment that has everything it is likely to need should he worst happen, and that you are with somebody trained to use it effectively?

lottee

Yeh, I know what your saying Toothsmith.. In fact it all makes perfect, spot on, obvious sense!
It's just me, I am a nervous wreck, when it comes to even making the phone call for an appointment. I've never had a 'majorly' bad experience in 'the chair' to pin point what it is that I'm scared of!