If you are searching for a dentist in South Charlotte, you may be nervous about choosing the wrong individual for your needs. In order to help you in your search, we have compiled a list of traits that all good dentists will have. This is also a useful list for anyone who is considering becoming a dentist. If you would like to schedule a dentist appointment in South Charlotte, call our office today!
Most people who handle drills, adhesives and screws have huge canvases to work on—a wall, deck, or entire house. But the mouth is an extremely small space in which to work. This is why a good dentist will have excellent coordination and fine motor skills. Being able to manipulate dental tools accurately with a steady hand is the number one physical trait a good dentist will need to have in order to perform the job well. In addition, a good dentist will have a lot of patience and stamina, as many procedures involve standing over a patient for a long period of time.
The hypothetical construction worker in our example above has another advantage over a dentist: his canvas is not a living, feeling person. A good dentist is not just a tradesman, but a “people person” who can make pleasant conversation and put people at ease. The biggest part of a dentist’s job is caring for and interacting with patients in an environment that many find frightening, and therefore, they will need to be personable and compassionate. Dentists also have to work closely with their office staff, including assistants and hygienists, so those who enjoy a lot of interaction with others will find an easier path.
In addition to being friendly and personable, a good dentist should also be able to relay often-complex oral health information in a clear, understandable way. Dentists educate patients on their diagnosis, treatment and preventative care, so good communication skills are crucial. A good dentist should be able to speak “dentist” and “layperson” fluently, so patients are never lost or overwhelmed.
Dental problems affect many areas of a person’s life, and a good dentist needs to be compassionate when addressing problems caused by poor oral hygiene. A good dentist understands that poor oral health can be the result of a variety of factors, like lack of dental education; poverty; poor nutrition caused by poverty; genetics; or dental phobias. Deciding that a patient with poor oral health is “lazy” is not just unkind; it is also very foolish, as it assigns a simple answer to what is generally a complex problem caused by many overlapping causes.
With all that said, however, it is also important for a dentist to be honest. “Sugarcoating” a problem, or neglecting to inform a patient of oral hygiene practices they should be performing, will not help him or her in the long run.
If you would like to schedule a tooth cleaning or other dental appointment in South Charlotte, call Park Cedar Dentistry. Drs. Emily Snapp, Summer Suttles, and their outstanding team will be delighted to help you with all your oral health needs. To get in touch, click here!
