Choosing the Right Family Dentist for You and Your Family

Whether because of a move, a change in circumstance, or just because your current choice isn’t feeling quite right, when you’re looking for a new family dentist it can definitely be a little overwhelming. After all, there are lots of choices out there and you want to feel confident that you’re getting the highest level of care, while also feeling comfortable and enjoying the experience. To help you out, here are a few questions to ask and things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a new family dentist in Winnipeg. 

Recommendations and reviews
Thanks to the internet, reviews are more useful and easier to find than ever! That being said, in-real-life recommendations are still an important option, too. 

• Ask your friends and family.
  When you’re on the hunt for a new family dentist, talk to your family and friends to find out who comes highly recommended. The benefit of getting a personal recommendation from people you know is that you can ask specific questions or point out your own preferences or concerns – and who knows you better than the people you’re close to! All of this can help you find the right fit.
• Ask your current family dentist.
  Don’t forget that your current dentist might be a great resource too! If you’re moving to a new town or city, ask if your former dentist can recommend anyone in your new location. After all, many dentists are very connected through education or through provincial or national dental associations. (You can read a little more about Dr. Kindrat’s current involvement on the board of the Winnipeg Dental Society here.) If you’re currently seeing a dentist you really trust and like, chances are they can recommend someone similar. 
• Check Facebook and Google.
  Of course, online reviews are one of the main ways we all make choices on everything from our hair stylist to a new car, and these are definitely great resources! Scrolling through the personal experiences of other patients on Facebook or Google can give you a really good sense of which individual doctor might be the best fit for you, and how you can expect the overall experience at the clinic to feel. 

Consider convenience
We all have busy lives, and regular dental care needs to fit into your family’s day-to-day schedule or you’ll struggle to keep appointments. No matter how great the reviews are, some key convenience factors might make or break your decision!

• Location is key.
  Think about your family’s daily schedules, and how a visit to your dentist will best fit in. Sometimes, it’s more convenient for your family dentist in Winnipeg to be located close to your work or to your kids’ schools than home. That said, with many people working from home these days, a nearby location in your neighbourhood might be just the thing.  
• Look for clinic hours that work with your calendar.
  Many family dentists offer a variety of hours day-to-day, from early morning starts to evenings or Saturdays. It’s well worth it to check into the clinic hours before making your decision – does their schedule line up with you and your family?

Consider how the family dentist aligns with your specific needs
While Tuxedo Dental Group and many other dental clinics are full-service, some also offer highly trained experts in specific aspects of dentistry. If there’s a dental service that is particularly important for you, be sure to look into the clinic’s experience in this area before making your choice. Here are a few more specific dental services you may want to consider:

• Children’s dentistry. If you have children, it’s important to choose a family dentist that will make them feel comfortable, and in turn, make visits to the dentist so much easier for you! Remember that children need to start seeing a dentist regularly as soon as their baby teeth begin to erupt – typically around their first birthday. Starting early will also help your child to be more comfortable with the process of having their teeth and mouth checked by a family dentist. You can find lots of helpful information in our Parents’ Guide to Children’s Dental Health, and some great tips for prepping your child for their first dental appointment here. 
• Cosmetic dentistry. Preventative dentistry like hygiene appointments and expertise in important oral health services are of course key, but many of us are also interested in cosmetic services like orthodontics, whitening, or replacing missing teeth. If you have any cosmetic concerns about your teeth that you’ve been considering treatment for, be sure to look for experience and expertise in these areas.
• Sports dentistry. Got an athlete in the family? Protecting the teeth and jaw while participating in sports is incredibly important, and not just to avoid ending up with a “hockey smile”. A well-fitting custom sports mouth guard will also help to prevent jaw fractures and concussion; you can read more about this, and learn why off-the-shelf mouth guards are not a great option, here. Some clinics, like Tuxedo Dental Group, have experts in sports dentistry, and this is something to look for if your family is active in sports. 
• Dental implants. One of the most exciting developments in modern dentistry has to be dental implants, and that’s why this is an area of interest and expertise for many of our Tuxedo Dental Group dentists. This technology has revolutionized the way dentists are able to permanently replace missing teeth! If you’re considering dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, make sure you look for qualified experts in this area of dentistry before choosing a new family dentist.
• Dental sedation. There are occasionally reasons for a dental patient to undergo sedation; for example, many patients are sedated when they have their wisdom teeth removed. Before choosing a family dentist, you’ll want to make sure that both the clinic and the dentists working there have the proper certifications and training for sedation procedures. Learn more about our certifications and qualifications for this service, plus answers to other common questions about dental sedation, right here. 

Book a consultation first
Once you’ve covered the steps above, chances are you’ve at least narrowed down the choices for your new family dentist in Winnipeg. The next step is to book a consultation! Here are some things to look for when you go in to the clinic:

• Is the clinic clean, neat, and orderly? (You can take a 360 virtual tour of our clinic here!)
• Note the technology in use – does the clinic appear to be set up with new and advanced dental technology?
• Did the family dentist you saw make you feel comfortable, and take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions?
• How did the rest of the staff and the overall experience make you feel during your visit? 

The right family dentist for you is out there!
With a little bit of research and a consultation, you should land on a family dentist where you feel confident and comfortable! If you’re searching for a family dentist in Winnipeg, we’d love to meet you – call, text, email, or use our online booking form to set up a consultation.