How to Find a New Dentist After You’ve Left Home for Uni
Moving to a new city for university can be overwhelming. As well as moving your belongings and finding your way around, there are all sorts of administrative tasks that you need to get done. One that is easily overlooked is finding a dentist.
It may not be as fun or exciting as meeting new people, learning about a subject you’re passionate about, or hanging out at the hottest spots in town, but you’ll be able to enjoy all these things more when you know that your essential services are sorted.
Here are some handy tips for finding the right dentist in your new city.
- Check out online reviews - An obvious starting point, but with one important caveat: Stick to the reviews on websites that are not affiliated with the dental surgeries you are considering. Dentists in Australia are not allowed to use testimonials or reviews to promote their practice, but some do so illegally. Studies have shown that they tend to focus on the positives and downplay the negatives.
- Check the location and hours - This can also easily be done online nowadays. Make sure the location and operating hours suit your schedule and means of transport.
- Ask your neighbours - Your neighbours, or the staff and older students at the university, can probably provide some valuable insights into services in the area. Asking for recommendations in a local or university Facebook group might yield some useful results.
- Think about specialities - There are many specialisations within dentistry and not every dental practice offers them all, so you need to think about your needs. For example, if you need to continue some orthodontics treatment in your new city but you don’t want your new friends to see you with braces, then make sure the dentist you choose offers clear aligners or similar.
- Visit the office - Once your online research has whittled the options down to a handful, then an in-person visit to the office can be a helpful way to make your decision. This will give you a chance to ask any questions you might have, as well as decide if it feels like the right dentist for you. Is the office orderly and clean? Do the staff put you at ease, answer your questions and take the time to explain things clearly?
- Look at their qualifications - You can do this both online and on your visit. Assuming they have an office, good reviews and so on, it’s probably safe to assume that they graduated from dental school. But what you want to see is evidence of ongoing professional development and education. Look at any certificates, what have they specialised in or achieved since they graduated? Do they belong to any professional bodies?
Choosing the right dentist is not only important for your health but also for your confidence. At university, you should have lots to smile about, so make sure yours always looks good. Choosing a dentist is one important part of that, but remember to practise good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing too.
According to BeSeen, you should visit your dentist at least twice per year. This is essential to help prevent tooth decay or other issues from turning into big problems.