Finding the Right Dentist in Poway
By Edward Farajzadeh | Published on June 16, 2010 | 0 Comments
Residents of Poway, California have lots of options when it comes to dental care. With so many practices – both big and small – to choose from, how can you go about finding the dental practice that’s right for you? According to Edward Farajzadeh, DDS, “Sometimes you just ‘know’ when you’ve found the right dentist.” Farajzadeh practices at A Poway Dental Group, a general and cosmetic dentist office. Farajzadeh says that while education, experience and specialty should definitely factor into your decision, a big part of choosing a dentist is finding a dental practice that feels right for you.
Trust Your Instincts
Because getting proper dental care is so important, it’s essential that you choose a dental practice where you feel at home. First impressions and gut instincts matter, Farajzadeh says. “You want to make sure,” he explains, “that you’re completely comfortable with the dental office you choose. This includes the dentist, the staff, and the facility itself. If you’re not comfortable or if you don’t have a trusting relationship your dentist and his staff, going to the dentist is not going to be a pleasant experience.”
All dentists have different styles, says Farajzadeh, when it comes to relating to patients. Some are more formal, while others easygoing and casual. Finding someone whose personality is a good match for yours will make a big difference in your comfort level. If you prefer a calm and quiet environment, then a practice in which silliness and boisterous laughter are the norm may not be a good fit. Likewise, if you find that laughter is a good stress-reliever for you, you may be disappointed with a practice in which the staff is overly formal or serious.
Clinic Setting vs. Individual Practice
Many of the dental offices in the Poway area, says Farajzadeh, are dental “clinics,” where there are multiple practitioners and hygienists serving a huge number of patients. These are often the dental offices, he says, who do lots of advertising and offer big promotions like free teeth whitening in order to bring in new patients. These clinics rely on a large patient load and lots of appointments in order to stay in business.
The dental clinic is a relatively new phenomenon, he says, and is popular with dental insurance companies because, theoretically, it helps to keep costs down. But according to Farajzadeh, it’s simply impossible to get the kind of personal attention you deserve in this kind of environment. “You might see a different dentist every time you come in,” he says. “You never get the chance to build a rapport with anyone.” Farajzadeh says that in his experience, developing a relationship with a dentist is important to most people. Not only does it make them feel more comfortable, it also makes people feel as though they know what to expect during appointments. And knowing what to expect helps to reduce stress.
“When you come to A Poway Dental Group,” he says, “you get much more personal attention. You’re treated by only one dentist, and you know you’re going to get the kind of quality, individualized care you need.”
Get Referrals
Farajzadeh says there is no better way to find a dental practice than to get referrals from family and friends. “Word of mouth should be a dentist’s most important form of advertising,” he says. Ask people you trust whether they’re happy with their own dentists. If they are, then ask for their dentists’ contact information. Don’t be afraid, he says, to pay a visit to the dental office before you make your first appointment. Again, first impressions matter, and if your initial interactions with the front desk staff disappoint, simply move on. “Every piece of the puzzle matters,” says Farajzadeh, “from the receptionist to the dentist himself. Don’t settle for a dental practice that doesn’t make you feel as though you matter. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts, and you’ll ultimately find the dentist that’s the best fit for you.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.