of Gum Disease
the body parts and seeing the person as a whole. I have been called a “holistic hygienist,” not only because I use herbs dur- ing my treatment but also because I treat the patient as a whole. I may see an obese patient and try to help motivate that patient to self-care in hygiene and diet. Caring leads you, as a professional, to a direct action of holistic care.
If you need a new dental professional, it is important to do some research, and there are different areas to explore.
Yellow Pages
If you open the Yellow Pages in your area, you will see many dental professionals listed. How can you find the right professional from the Yellow Pages? Read the ads!
What does the ad say? Is the dental professional marketing his practice to fit your needs? You might see such words as
“caring,” “gentle,” “holistic,” “nonsurgical gum programs,”
“discounted dentistry,” “free exam,” and more. It is impor- tant to read beyond the words and discover the truth about the dental professional. After reading the ad, call the office. If the person who answers the phone seems friendly and is equipped to answer your questions, then you may have reached the right office. If you are turned off by the person who answers the phone, it is still possible that the dental professional is good, but less likely. Before calling the office, however, have your questions on hand and ask those that are important to you. Here are some suggestions:
• Does the dental professional work as a holistic practi- tioner? If not, what methods does he or she use?
• Does he or she have a nonsurgical approach to gum disease?
• Does the office work with patients on a payment plan?
• Can the office accept my insurance?
• Is the dental professional available for emergencies?
• Can I have references and speak with other patients who are pleased with the office? (optional)
• What university did the dental professional graduate from?
• How much expertise does the dental professional have?
• Does the dental office have the latest equipment?
• What sterilization procedures does the office have?
Many of these questions might not be answered in the first phone call. However, if some of the questions are answered to your liking, then make a consultation appoint- ment at the office. At the office you will be able to get more questions answered.
At that appointment, look around to see how neat and clean the office is. Ask to see the sterilization area and tech- niques used. Remember, they need you as a patient or they would not be advertising. Do not be afraid to be inquisitive, you are looking for a quality professional who has patience to work with you on this level.
A concern should also be that the dentist and dental hygienist have a good working relationship. They both should be happy and love their work.
Word-of-Mouth Referral Sources
Finding a competent, knowledgeable, professional, and affordable dentist and dental hygienist can be a difficult task.
Most people base their search essentially on word of mouth.
However, someone else’s idea of a good dentist is often sub-
jective. So how can word-of-mouth suggestions work for you? Ask the person who is offering the referral some of these questions:
• Is the dental professional holistic in approach?
Does he or she have a nonsurgical approach to gum disease?
• Does the dental professional work with a light touch?
• Does the dental professional work with empathy?
• Is the office clean and neat?
• What kind of sterilization methods are used?
• Does the office work with a payment plan?
• Does the office accept credit cards?
• Will the office accept my insurance?
• Why do you specifically like this office?
• Can you compare this dental office to your last office and then tell me why you prefer this office?
• Do you look forward to seeing your dental profes- sional? Why?
• Are you satisfied when you leave the office?
• Have you had fewer problems with your teeth and gums since you have begun going to this office?
After many of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you are ready to call for an appointment.
When making an appointment, you should mention your referral source to the receptionist. A referral is regarded highly by a dental practice. There is no greater compliment to the office and the professional than getting word-of- mouth referrals.
Web Sites
Many dental practices are now on the Web. You can view my Web site at toothfairyshow.com, which will introduce you to the office. If certain procedures are used and you are inter- ested in these procedures, you can view the information on the Web site. Most Web sites can be categorized as “Holistic Dentistry,” “Gum Disease Prevention,” and “Cosmetic Dentistry.” You can try various search engines and select the category you are most interested in.
Many Web sites have photos of the professional, and you can see if the image of the person is the image you want.
Seeing a face is worth a thousand words.
Questions can be directed to these Web sites. Some Web sites, including my own, have e-mail addresses. You can e-mail your questions on the Internet. It is important to know that many offices are very busy, and the opportunity to answer your questions about a practice may be limited.
Suggested questions to ask on the Web:
• Are you holistic in your practice?
• What materials do you use?
• How much do you charge for a consultation and dental work?
• Where are you located?
• Are you caring and gentle?
• How many people do you employ?
• Do you work on patients yourself?
• What are your credentials?
• What sterilization methods do you employ?
Media: Radio and Television Referral Sources Another way to search for a dental professional is through the media. Periodically you hear about a dental professional who has a radio or television show. Being able to listen to the person speak or just watch a dental professional on televi- sion can be one advantage over print advertising and even word-of-mouth referrals.
Listening to someone on the radio will help you consider how this person presents himself or herself. Presentation is very important professionally! If a professional takes the time to appear on radio or television, then he or she might have a higher interest in educating the public in dental health and be more in tune with your needs.
Dial 1-800-Dentist
You can find 1-800-Dentist advertisements on television commercials. The dentists listed pay for the advertisements and their listings on 1-800-Dentist.
Magazine Articles
Be cautious. Many people hire public relations professionals to help them market their services. So be careful of maga- zine articles that name celebrity clients in the article, as this doesn’t necessarily mean the dentist is of the highest quality.
Read between the lines.