By Jack Houman
You're special, and no one is exactly like you. Not all orthodontists are the same either. If you use the following list, you can find the orthodontist who fits what you are looking for.
Discuss with the orthodontist if they offer any type of patient education. Do they just see patients for office visits or do they hold classes or lectures on wellness? Is there literature available in the office regarding various health topics? Having classes or lectures on various health topics helps develop a community spirit within the office. It shows the patients that the orthodontist cares about their well being and wants to keep them informed.
When looking to see if an orthodontist is board certified remember that empathy and respect are not measurable through a test. Orthodontists do not have to be board certified - some have not taken it, some may have failed. Do not base your judgment on this alone.
Ask the office staff if the orthodontist usually is able to see patients on time. If you are a working person and need to take minimal time off for an office visit this may be very important. It can also be very important if you have children to take care of at home. A good orthodontist should be respectful of your time.
If you can afford to do it pay to run a background check on an orthodontist you are considering. There are companies that provide this service to the public. You can also file a police report with your local station. Avoid orthodontists who have dirty backgrounds. If there is any question regarding their moral standing, you need to find another orthodontist.
Does your orthodontist treat his dental staff fairly? If you see your orthodontist being unfair or cruel to his staff consider switching. The best orthodontists treat their employees with dignity and respect. They understand their staff member's roles in contributing to your well being. You need an orthodontist whose staff is capable of providing excellent care, too.
A good orthodontist will bring out the best of everyone they work with. They can put their ego away and work in concert with others to the benefit of the patient. The orthodontist can put together a team that works cohesively.
A board certification is not a guarantee of competence. It is a seal of approval. However, unless an orthodontist is fresh out of dental school and hasn't yet taken the board exams, not being board certified is a warning sign to investigate farther before putting your trust in him/her.
Discuss with the orthodontist if they offer any type of patient education. Do they just see patients for office visits or do they hold classes or lectures on wellness? Is there literature available in the office regarding various health topics? Having classes or lectures on various health topics helps develop a community spirit within the office. It shows the patients that the orthodontist cares about their well being and wants to keep them informed.
When looking to see if an orthodontist is board certified remember that empathy and respect are not measurable through a test. Orthodontists do not have to be board certified - some have not taken it, some may have failed. Do not base your judgment on this alone.
Ask the office staff if the orthodontist usually is able to see patients on time. If you are a working person and need to take minimal time off for an office visit this may be very important. It can also be very important if you have children to take care of at home. A good orthodontist should be respectful of your time.
If you can afford to do it pay to run a background check on an orthodontist you are considering. There are companies that provide this service to the public. You can also file a police report with your local station. Avoid orthodontists who have dirty backgrounds. If there is any question regarding their moral standing, you need to find another orthodontist.
Does your orthodontist treat his dental staff fairly? If you see your orthodontist being unfair or cruel to his staff consider switching. The best orthodontists treat their employees with dignity and respect. They understand their staff member's roles in contributing to your well being. You need an orthodontist whose staff is capable of providing excellent care, too.
A good orthodontist will bring out the best of everyone they work with. They can put their ego away and work in concert with others to the benefit of the patient. The orthodontist can put together a team that works cohesively.
A board certification is not a guarantee of competence. It is a seal of approval. However, unless an orthodontist is fresh out of dental school and hasn't yet taken the board exams, not being board certified is a warning sign to investigate farther before putting your trust in him/her.
