What Makes a Good Dentist? Here are the 5 Ideal Traits

Most professionally trained dentists can do the technical parts of the job. But does this make them good dentists. What more is needed to be a good dentist?

For a long time, people have feared or loathed going to the dentist. For some, it’s because they don’t like someone prodding around in their mouth, for others, it’s because they can’t handle the sound of that tiny drill.

While some uncomfortable aspects of dentistry can’t be helped or avoided, choosing the right dentist can go a long way towards alleviating those fears and discomforts. A good dentist can even make your time in the chair enjoyable.

But what makes a good dentist? Keep reading to find out what traits you should be looking for in your dental practitioner.

1. Patience

One of the most frustrating things about dealing with highly-educated professionals is that they can come off as incredibly impatient. Doctors, lawyers, and dentists have all been accused of being short or impatient with their clients/patients.

If you’re looking for what makes a good dentist, you can find the answer your first time you sit down with them for a consult. If they listen to you without interrupting and genuinely hear what you have to say, you may have a winner. In any relationship, respect must go both ways.

2. Friendliness

On top of being patient, a good dentist should also be personable. Let’s be honest, few people enjoy the prospect of going to get their teeth worked on. However, a friendly dentist can decrease any anxiety and even help you enjoy your time there. 

To be fair, just because a dentist isn’t as personable or doesn’t have the same charm as another, it doesn’t make them a bad dentist. However, it is a refreshing and ideal trait.

3. Problem Solving Skills

What makes a good dentist aside from their personality? 

One trait to look for is their ability to solve problems and think outside the box. A critical thinking dentist can figure why you’re having gum pain or whether or not a tooth needs to be extracted, etc. Dentistry is rarely straightforward and everyone has a unique set of choppers with unique problems.

4. Consideration

While there’s no getting around experiencing some discomfort while you’re in the dentist’s chair, a good dentist will do everything they can to make your time as bearable as possible. For example, some dental rooms have TVs mounted in such a way that they can be viewed regardless of the patient’s position.

Additionally, this means taking great care to be as gentle and light-handed as possible. Though some procedures call for more force, good dentists will concern themselves with your pain and discomfort level at all times, such as those at BlueWave Dentistry.

5. Precision and Efficiency

Finally, though we brushed it off earlier, what makes a good dentist is one who is efficient at what they do. After all, you don’t want to come in for an hour-long procedure and end up sitting for two to three hours.

A good dentist will be both precise and efficient. This includes working on your teeth, as well as how they handle their patient load.

Now You Know What Makes a Good Dentist

Now that you have a good idea what makes a good dentist, it’s up to you to go out there and find one! However, if you’re looking for more great advice or information, feel free to take a look at the rest of our articles before you go.