The Dentist’s Expectations

What are they? 

When you have any dental treatment there are a number of expectations on the part of both the dentist and the patient. These relate to the attendance at the practice, performance of the treatment, the outcome of the function and appearance, the time it takes and the longevity of the result. 

Dental treatment is a joint effort between patient and dentist. The dentist needs your input to identify symptoms accurately that indicates what is happening in your mouth. 

The body, including the teeth and mouth is in a constant state of decline. The dentist cannot prevent that decline but it can be substantially slowed. What you do at home in caring for your mouth and teeth are as important as what the dentist does. Without proper home care no treatment will last. Nothing is forever. 

What will my dentist expect? 

The appointment is an agreement between both parties that the practice facilities and the skills of the staff will be made available at and for a specific time for your benefit. The dentist will expect you to arrive on time and be available for that time, and be prepared to pay for that time. 

If you are unable to attend and the time cannot be reallocated the dentist will expect you to pay for the time. Most practices ask for 24 hours notice.

The time allocated and the cost will include preparation time of the treatment area and equipment and clearing up time after the treatment. It includes the cost of the cleaning process and disposable items and the general overheads. The fact that you may “only” have a short appointment for an opinion or advice may still include the costs of a number of items used, and the sterilising and cleaning as well as the service provided by the receptionist in being available and making the appointment and the other ancillary staff preparing the facility.

The dentist will expect you to have decided what treatment you want, to have understood what you should expect, and to understand the limitations of treatment. If not, you should ask more questions before the treatment appointment to ensure that you are clear in your own mind on all these factors.

The dentist will expect you to pay fees at the time specified.