5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Dentist
Pst . . . hey, you. Yeah, we’re looking at you—that person who would rather fold a pile of laundry, wash their hair for the umpteenth time in a day, or even visit the DMV before tending to one of the most fundamental aspects of their health. We’re talking dental hygiene and, more specifically, the average American’s general disdain for those helpful souls who poke and prod out teeth, mouth, and gums for signs of disease and decay.
Sure, seeing the dentist isn’t nearly as sexy as your weekly nail appointment or that trip to the gym to pump iron. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t equally as important for our long term well being. Not only can neglecting your twice-yearly recommended trip to the dentist have a negative impact on that perfectly straight smile and minty-fresh breath, but it can also have serious implications for your overall health. Cardiovascular disease, certain infections of the heart, and pregnancy and birth issues in women have all been linked to poor dental practices.
Given this irrefutable evidence, it seems counterintuitive that 62% of us are afraid of visiting the dentist regularly. The biggest hurdle to many people’s reticence is the inability to find a quality, caring, and attentive dentist who will listen to your personal needs.
If you fall into the above category of someone who knows both you and your family need quality dental care but doesn’t quite know where to begin when it comes to locating that perfect practitioner, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a helpful list of five things to consider when choosing a dentist. So without further ado, let’s jump in.
1. Education, Education . . . and More Education
When it comes to getting professional advice, the foundation of any reputable medical professional should be a solid degree and certification in their field. All dentists must attend dental school, which typically involves four years of specialized studies in science, math, ethics, and safety. Dental hygienists (responsible for screenings, cleanings, and helping dentists through larger surgeries and procedures) must also obtain dental school training and often carry degrees and certifications beyond the minimal requirement.
These threshold levels of education may sound good enough for some practices, but Bruce Sexton, DDS, and his practice in Wayland, Michigan know better. When it comes to meeting and exceeding minimal standards, Dr. Sexton goes above and beyond with yearly continuing education for himself and his staff. This commitment may be time-consuming, but it allows the doctor and his caring staff to ensure they are aware of the latest updates in modern dental treatments and technology. Bruce Sexton, DDS, knows that his clients value optimal health and strives to provide the most up-to-date technologies in a small-town dental practice atmosphere.
2. Experience Counts
Education is indeed a valuable asset, but on its own won’t ensure that you’re receiving the best in quality dental care. After all, as the saying goes, “Experience is often the best teacher.” Medical books and late nights spent studying can only prepare you for the real world nuances of daily practice.
For those lucky enough to call Dr. Bruce Sexton their family dentist, no compromise is needed in the experience category. With over 30 years of practice, Dr. Sexton has seen just about every type of dental issue imaginable. Patiently ushering patients into their first dental appointment and on to adult checkups—the offices of Bruce Sexton, DDS, truly embody what it means to be a family dental practice.
3. Referrals, Because Don’t Take Our Word for It
As modern consumers of products and services, we all know to be a little skeptical of those who like to toot their own horns. If we took the word of every self-serving commercial, advertisement, or blog post (ahem), we’d most likely end up having ten different bottles of shampoo that all claimed to be the best dandruff preventers, and our cupboards would be stocked with more varieties of mac and cheese than any horde of kindergartners could ever possibly consume.
When it comes to dental services in the Wayland, Michigan area, however, no such blind reliance is needed. Bruce Sexton, DDS, prides his office on its rave customer reviews. Testimonials from real clients, just like you, are what Dr. Sexton promotes in lieu of flashy advertising or commercial gimmicks. Even major medical insurers recommend going straight to the “client’s mouth,” so to speak, when choosing your family dental practice. In short, in the offices of Dr. Bruce Sexton, we let our client’s happy, sparkling smiles do the talking for us.
4. Office Location and Atmosphere
Whether you’re parents scouting out a new family dentist or a real estate developer looking to launch the newest coffee chain, one of the biggest factors that will weigh on your decision is “location, location, location.” That big-city dentist may look appealing, but their glossy magazine advertisements won’t do you a lot of good when you have the equivalent of an hour and a half drive, each way—in the snow, uphill, and barefoot to boot.
A convenient small-town location and corresponding comfortable, welcoming office don’t have to mean substandard care. When you walk into the waiting room of Bruce Sexton, DDS, you’re met with a cheerful atmosphere and staff ready to make you and your family comfortable and relaxed. And what would a dental office be without its very own toy vault, whose treasures can be unlocked with tokens awarded by caring professionals after patients young and old have received their oral care?
5. The X-Factors
You might have made it to the end of our “top-five” list expecting another checkbox item or statistic. Instead, it’s the combination of small details, overlooked by larger, impersonal offices, that make Bruce Sexton, DDS, the dental practice of choice for those located in Western Michigan.
The convenient location, just south of bustling Grand Rapids, allows this small-town dentist to serve a wide and diverse audience of patients. Accepting a variety of insurance plans and payment options—including CareCredit and Citi Health Card—gives Dr. Sexton’s patients the financial flexibility that is often critical for working families. A full array of dental services means that our patients won’t be left scrambling when numerous procedures or a multi-pronged approach is needed to help resolve your toothy issues.
In short, Bruce Sexton, DDS, has all the ingredients needed to be your new go-to dental professional. Want to hear more? Contact us today for an initial appointment, consultation, or to answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to provide the very best dental experience possible in a knowledgeable and caring environment, and we look forward to having you join our thriving dental patient family.
