It’s not always fun to go to the dentist. At a very young age, people start disliking dentists because of how uncomfortable it feels to have someone work on your mouth for a long time. Very few people have good memories with dentists and this can be one of the reasons that prevent them from getting their oral health checked.

But seeing a dentist is crucial if you want to have great teeth. After all, they are the experts who can assess how your teeth, tongue, and gums are doing. If you don’t have a dentist yet or are looking for other options where you can get your teeth checked, then this list can help you pick the right dentist for you. Here are a few traits a great dentist should have.

 

1. Communication skills

Much like doctors, dentists need to have good communication skills. A great dentist knows how to talk to their patients and to manage their expectations when it comes to their teeth. At the same time, they will be able to properly explain to their patients the current status of their oral health. Ideally, your dentist should know how to avoid jargons so that fewer misunderstandings happen.

 

2. Dexterous hand-eye coordination

There’s no doubt that a watchful eye and careful hands are needed when you look for a dentist. Since dentists work on limited spaces (aka your mouth), they should be able to control their movements so they don’t end up hurting you or your gums. It’s also a must that your dentist has great hand-eye coordination so he or she can accurately control the tools they will be using on your teeth.

 

3. Patience

Apart from having stubborn patients that refuse to floss or even visit the clinic, dentists need patience when administering operations on the mouth. Some procedures take a long time and a dentist should be able to stay focused during that time without being frustrated or fazed at how long the procedure is taking.

 

4. Ambiance

Although this isn’t exactly a trait, a nice ambiance says something about the dentist. You would also feel better knowing that the clinic is well lit, clean, fragrant, and spacious. It might not be obvious but these little things affect your overall dentist experience so you should be observant of a dentist’s clinic when you visit one.

Emphasis should also be given to the cleanliness of the clinic. Since a dentist deals with your teeth, you want a clinic that doesn’t only look clean, but actually is clean. Notice the hand sanitizers, the teeth models, and even the sink.

A trip to the dentist is not always great, but if you have a dentist that has these traits, then it would be so much more bearable. It might also encourage you to visit your dentist regularly.