Good Orthodontist 9 Signs | FAST FACTS in 2023
Looking for a Good Orthodontist? An orthodontist quality is determined by their skill set, which can vary. Orthodontists with more experience, specializing in more treatments, using newer and minimally invasive techniques, and monitoring patients’ progress extra carefully have more experience, specialize in more treatments, and specialize in a wider variety of treatments. To ensure you choose a qualified practitioner, look for key indicators when finding the right orthodontist. Your decision will be more secure if you do so. If you are wondering, “What are the qualities of a good orthodontist?” Then keep reading to find out!
Contents
Some Major Factors
Willingness to Listen
What are the indicators of a good orthodontist? One of the first signs should be that they are willing to sit down and listen to you. Each patient has different goals and needs, so your orthodontist should be willing to discuss the merits of Invisalign, braces, and other options by hearing your preferences. Instead of recommending a “one size fits all” approach, a good orthodontist will listen to your needs and come up with a treatment plan that works for you. An orthodontist who is great at listening will not make you feel rushed or ignored.
Availability
Correcting the alignment of teeth is a lengthy process with the potential for minor mishaps to occur every now and then. A good orthodontist should be available for patients whenever they encounter issues like a broken wire or a crushed retainer. The really great orthodontists are even willing to adjust their schedule and fit patients in at unusual times if the patient needs emergency treatment. You want an orthodontist who tries to fit into your schedule instead of treating you like an inconvenience whenever you need extra assistance.
Good Communication Abilities
When you are done talking to a great orthodontist, you should never feel confused or overwhelmed. Communication is an essential item on the list of what are the qualities of a good orthodontist. An orthodontist needs to be able to explain a treatment plan to a patient and give the patient instructions that they can follow. Whether they are talking to a 15-year-old or a 65-year-old, an orthodontist needs to be able to discuss complicated procedures in a way that the patient can understand. To communicate properly, orthodontists should be able to sit down and go over each step of your braces options and your treatment plan with you.
A Passion for Learning
All orthodontists are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, go to dental school for four years after undergrad, and then take at least two years of specialty orthodontic training. Though any orthodontist will have this training, some do not bother to learn anything new after they finish their basic requirements. However, the orthodontic field is constantly making new innovations, so you should try to find an orthodontist who does not quit learning after they leave school. Look for orthodontists who are part of associations that require members to keep up with new developments in orthodontistry.
Glowing Testimonials
When trying to figure out if an orthodontist is good, it is wise to take the time to listen to their other patients. Sometimes you can learn the answer to the question “How do I know if my orthodontist is good?” without even leaving your home. Thanks to the internet, it is possible to read reviews for the orthodontist on their website, social media, and orthodontic rating websites. Even great orthodontists may have one or two complaints from disgruntled customers, but the majority of their reviews and comments will be positive ones from happy patients.
Trustworthiness and Honesty
Though rare, there are some unethical orthodontists who may push patients to try out unnecessary procedures just so the orthodontist can make more money. A key indicator of a good orthodontist is that they are a trustworthy person who will be honest with you about your treatment needs. It can be a little hard to gauge this in the first meeting, but you can see signs of it if you pay attention. A trustworthy orthodontist will be upfront about costs and clear about which treatment options are available.
Happy Staff Members
You can tell a lot about an orthodontist by seeing how they run their offices. When you visit, look at the basic morale and demeanor of the staff. An orthodontist who is dedicated to patient care should encourage their staff to be equally attentive and helpful. Good orthodontists need to be positive people who treat others with compassion and respect. If an orthodontist is like this, you will be able to tell by observing their staff. Cheerful, positive, and competent staff members are often a sign that the orthodontist is also dedicated and enthusiastic.
An Empathetic Personality
Most people are understandably sensitive about their teeth and their appearance. When wondering, “How do I know if my orthodontist is good?” then take the time to think about how they treat people. Even if a person has poor dental hygiene or very misaligned teeth, a good orthodontist will still treat them with respect and compassion. They will never mock a patient behind their back or imply that the patient should feel ashamed about the state of their teeth.
The Ability to Work with Young People
Almost every orthodontist ends up spending a lot of time working with children, preteens, and teenagers. This age group can be a little tricky to work with, so it is important for an orthodontist to feel comfortable interacting with them. A good orthodontist needs to avoid being condescending, yet they may also want to phrase things a little simpler for a younger audience. Being able to treat a young patient with respect and while still creating a child-friendly atmosphere is necessary for all orthodontists.
Conclusion
Finding a good orthodontist is essential for achieving the best possible results for your dental health. By looking for these nine signs, you can make an informed decision and choose an orthodontist who is the perfect fit for you and your family. Remember to consult with friends, family, and online reviews to gather recommendations and insights on potential orthodontic professionals in your area.
• Brainerd – 218-829-1630
• Delano – 763-972-4444
• Pequot Lakes – 218-568-5600
• Baxter – 218-829-1630
At McDermott Orthodontics, our orthodontist offers a variety of treatments that include:
• Retainers – to keep teeth in the proper positions
• Aligners – designed using Invisalign computer software
• Braces – ceramic, Damon System and metallic devices
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Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.
