Being a dentist requires more than being able to discern between different tools and procedures and obtaining certificates from a prestigious dental school. This article looks at the essential qualities of a dentist, that can make dental visits pleasant and stress-free for the whole family.
Willingness to help others
The decision to become a dental practitioner should be driven by wanting to help others and better their lives. The financial reward should come secondary.
Therefore, the difference between an excellent dentist and an average one is the degree of personal investment that’s brought to the table. A dentist who cares will show empathy and will go above and beyond the call of duty to relieve pain and treat a range of dental problems quickly and effectively.
Possesses excellent communication skills
Dental anxiety is brought on by several factors; one of them is a fear of the unknown.
From describing your oral health issues in layman’s terms and explaining what treatment entails, through to educating you on how to prevent such problems in the future, your dentist should be providing you with vital information that will help to ease your anxieties.
An excellent communicator doesn’t qualify as such just in being able to keep patients calm, but should also be explaining problems simply and clearly, so that the individual has a full understanding of what’s wrong with them and how it can be treated.
Empathetic and project a calming demeanour
Tying back to the previous point, a fear of dentists is prevalent in our society. It’s the responsibility of any dental practitioner to be personable and friendly, especially with younger members of the family. A dentist that appears calm and confidence will also put patients at ease.
Pay close attention to detail
The mouth is a small space in which to operate, so dentists must pay close attention. It’s also crucial that minor issues are identified before they turn into bigger ones that are more challenging to treat.
In addition to being exacting, dentists must possess excellent dexterity, because of the limited area they’re working in, as one small misstep could prove disastrous.
Acute problem-solving skills
Dentists see patients with a wide array of issues, ranging from small and treatable to complicated and more challenging to repair. It’s up to them to decide upon the most appropriate treatment, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
Endless patience
Dentists will see all types of patients, including some who must be paid special attention. These include young children and those with dental anxiety who should be treated with kindness and understanding.
Stamina
The role of a dentist is backbreaking work, having to see patient after patient during a typical nine-to-five day.
Dental practitioners should be prepared to be on their feet all day and bending over patients for long stretches.
Knowing that learning never stops
An excellent dentist stays in the loop when it comes to learning new and improved techniques in the field of dentistry that help to achieve the desired results better, while finding novel ways of minimising patient’s pain and discomfort during procedures.
Education is ongoing, and dentists should be registering for short courses to help evolve their skills continuously in order to give the very best service to their patients.
