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Dental health is a big part of leading an overall healthy life, so you should start looking for a reliable family dentist. Nowadays, however, that task can be a real challenge. But with the avalanche of dentist advertisements that you will find online, especially when you live in a place like Syracuse, it is much easier.

Not all great dentists have a site that allows you to easily book an appointment and obtain relevant information about their practice. For this reason, you should be able to take matters into your own hands by having a set of criteria to help you make your decision.

To get you started, you can tell that a dentist in Syracuse is reliable if they possess or embody the following:

1. Good Reputation

It’s no secret that word-of-mouth can make or break a business, and dentists are no exception. Try asking your family and friends who also live in the area if they have any recommendations for good dentists. Chances are, if they had a good experience with that dentist, then you will too.

Now, don’t worry if you can’t gather any useful dentist suggestions from people you know; the ever-reliable Internet can give you answers instead. However, try to be on alert when browsing through dentist reviews online, since they’re not always genuine.

2. Conveniently-located Clinics with Accommodating Hours

Dentist clinics that operate within active business districts such as Westcott already get one point for being in a convenient location. Considering that regularly visiting a dentist has tons of benefits, it would save you a lot of time and effort in the long-term if you’re near your chosen clinic. Another thing to consider is their clinic hours and their policies regarding emergency appointments.

3. An American Dental Association (ADA) Membership

Members of the ADA swear an oath to put their patient’s oral health first before anything else. They are also expected to abide by policies set by the association throughout their practice.

4. Excellent Customer Service

From your first phone inquiry up to after-care visits, your dentist should treat you with the care and respect that you deserve as their patient. You’ll know they’re serious about handling you well when they take the time to understand your case and your concerns, and never, in any way, rush you.

5. Clean Working Area

In a restaurant like Pastabilities, you can usually guess the cleanliness of their kitchen by looking at the state of their bathroom. The same goes for dental clinics. If they keep their waiting areas unkempt, or if you see dental equipment – which, by the way, mostly go into your mouth – being stored in dirty drawers, then it’s time to say goodbye and run.

6. Disinterest in Overselling

One of the least desirable traits that some dentists have is their tendency to oversell products and services that you might not really need. This shows that they are more interested in their business than taking care of your dental concerns – that’s a big no-no.

7. Work Portfolio

Great dentists don’t always need to get feedback from their patients, because they let their work speak for itself. It’s a good sign, then, if a dentist keeps a portfolio of his previous work, including before and after photos, in his clinic, because it shows experience and expertise.

8. Up-to-date Technology

Having the best and latest dental equipment is another sign that a dentist is genuinely passionate about giving their patients the best care possible, since those devices promise to be more accurate, effective, and comfortable. These include:

● digital x-ray machines

● ultrasonic cleaning instruments

laser technology

.Additionally, it’s a sign that your dentist is consistently trying to improve their practice, which can extend to their professional knowledge as well.

9. Follow-up Practices

There are some dental procedures, root canals, for instance, which tend to be long and taxing. Reliable dentists always take the time to follow-up with patients who have undergone such procedures to see how they’re doing, and if they’ve encountered any complications.

10. Holistic Approach

Finally, the best dentists aren’t just interested in whether you have cavities or not. Instead, on top of their usual responsibilities, they also regularly check your mouth for clues about potential health problems that go beyond your teeth, like mouth cancer and even sleep apnea, among others. Aside from warning you about that, great dentists also teach you how to practice good dental hygiene.

There are nearly 300 practicing dentists in Syracuse. You have your work cut out for you. It’s alright if you won’t remember all 10 of these signs; just keep in mind that your dentist should consider you as a long-term patient, and that should show in the way they value you and your dental concerns.

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