As you look around for a new dentist, you’ll find that you have two main choices. You can opt for a place that has a singular dentist working there and maybe one or two associates, or you can opt for a larger dental clinic in Seattle. There are pros and cons to both of these options, and only you can make the right choice for your and your family’s needs.
It’s important to understand those pros and cons so that you can make some good decisions. Really, the pros and cons come down to familiarity and time.
Singular Dentists Will Know You Better
When you go to a dental clinic in Seattle, you could end up switching care with the various dentists who work there. This is to help you get seen sooner, which is great if you have pain, but it’s not so great if you have to work through health or teeth history. Many people want to be able to pick up with conversations with someone they are more familiar with.
Familiarity is what you get when you go to a practice with just one main dentist. You get to know them, and they get to know your oral health habits and they are used to the way your teeth look. They know immediately any problems you’ve had in the past, often without even needing to look over your chart.
With a dental clinic in Seattle, you can ask to see the same person over and over again, but it could mean a wait. If you need to see someone fast, you will need to accept seeing another dentist, who may be one you had a bad experience with in the past.
The Wait Time to See a Singular Dentist
If you see a singular dentist, there is a small downside to the wait time. One dentist can only see so many patients in a day, and if they get booked up, they can end up pushing your appointments out.
However, a lot of dentists know that this can happen, so they are often proactive with booking in regular visits. Some can even book you in six months in advance to make sure you get your regular check-up.
You are limited to the hours that they have available, though. Some dentists may only work Monday to Friday, and others may only work during the day or only evenings. They get to set their own schedule, and this can limit who you see. When it comes to an emergency, you may need to go to another dental clinic in Seattle.
When you start off with a clinic, you don’t have that wait time, necessarily. If there’s an emergency, there will usually be someone on call to help get you seen to as soon as possible.
It’s wait vs. familiarity when it comes to choosing the type of dental practice you choose. A singular dentist can be great for those with anxiety over the visit, but a dental clinic in Seattle is perfect for those who need to see someone immediately.
