In any urban area in the UK, and especially London, there are usually a number of dental practices to choose from. So it might be easy to find a dentist, but that isn't the end of the story.

You'll need to find the right dentist.  If you are looking to make a change, or if you have recently moved and need to find a new dentist, then it is time to think about what really matters to you when making that decision. Apart from brushing regularly, the best way to take care of your oral health is to work with your dentist. Building up a good long term relationship with them is therefore essential. Here are the 5 most important things to consider when seeking out a new dentist.

Location and access

This may sound like an obvious consideration but it is certainly worth weighing up the pro's and cons of having your dentist near your home, or near your place of work. The practice opening hours may also be an important consideration, and many practices these days are able to offer more flexible opening hours, which can be really useful for the time poor.

Registration

Naturally any dentist needs to have the relevant qualifications to practice, and these should be clearly displayed on their website. In addition to this, any relevant additional specialisms and their corresponding qualifications should be presented and, very importantly, their General Dental Council (GDC) number.

The Practice

The Practice should be of the highest standards. It should be clean, professional and organised. All important information such as pricing guides, the cancellation policy and the complaints procedure should be prominently displayed.  The staff should be polite, helpful and knowledgeable and, of course, welcoming.

The Personal Touch

Whilst there are many important aspects to selecting the best dental care, one that will always be crucial in informing your decision will be the dentist themselves. Trust is essential. You need to feel comfortable with your dentist, whether that be sat in the chair, or asking them questions.

Good Technology

Dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades, and like medical services, a good dental practice needs to constantly stay up to date with the latest developments and have the latest (proven) technology to hand so that it can provide you with the latest service possible. Take a look at the website and see what is on offer. If you are unsure, ring and ask.