Important questions to ask yourself
The 3rd question you need to answer in order to commit to your own dental health
In this dental blog… Dr Darryl Marsh continues with his list of 9 questions to ask yourself when you are looking for a partner in dental health.
In my last article I looked at the second question you should ask yourself, namely Is this dentist telling me the truth?, when considering who is right to look after your dental health. So now it is time to move onto the next important question when you are finding a dentist to match your needs.
In our practice we have had to redo the failing dental treatments that have been performed for some of our dental assistants by other practitioners. These were intelligent women who were experienced “insiders” in the world of dentistry. Even they were not able to fully understand and assess the suitability of the dental work they received, even though they witness these treatments everyday.
In reality, it takes another dentist to accurately assess the suitability and quality of dental treatment and whether it is performing adequately or not. In many cases these problems were based on a misunderstanding between patient and practitioner of what to expect from the given treatment.
Unfortunately dentists are specialists in a very technical field, and like many people who have specialised knowledge, they can make assumptions when talking to a “lay person” that they already know some of this specialist knowledge and insights.
Whilst you may never have a dentist’s level of understanding, there are, clues that can be gained from other sources.
Was the dentist recommended by a friend whose opinion you trust? Talk to them…
Look online at what other people say and their experiences. Google reviews or other review sites such as TrueLocal.com.au are sometimes useful. What have been other peoples’ experiences?
Be cautious of outrageous claims like “Not only is he the best dentist on the planet, but he’s also the cheapest. Every visit I get every treatment covered fully by my health fund rebate!” Sometimes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you choose to ‘suss them out’ in-person (which is a great way to see if you feel comfortable with a particular dentist) it is a good idea to check the following things:
Attention to detail in these areas is often related of the level of care and attention to detail in the clinical areas.
Join me next time for find out the fourth question a patient needs to answer before they commit to any dental treatment.
Keep smiling!
almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."
Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.
Your first appointment includes:
4.9 (159 reviews)
4.9 (145 reviews)
4.9 (40 reviews)
Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm
Fri 8.30am - 2pm
Since 1988 We Have Been Treating Our Brisbane Northside Patients According To Our Philosophy Of Being Open, Honest And Plain Speaking. Meet Us And See Our Approach For Yourself By Watching One Of Our Videos!
Suburbs Near Us: Ascot Dentist | Brisbane Dentist | Chermside Dentist | Clayfield Dentist | Hamilton Dentist | Kedron Dentist | Newstead Dentist | Nundah Dentist | Teneriffe Dentist | Wavell Heights Dentist
B. Oral Health (Therapy & Hygiene)
“Working with patients of all ages continues to ignite my passion within dentistry and I strive to provide a gentle, supportive and positive environment for every patient I work with. ”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I enjoy seeing the delight that our patients show when they realise how easy dental care can be! Our team at Today’s Dentistry work together to make every patient feel completely comfortable.”
Dr Sharon's commitment to excellence has shown itself right from the start of her dental career, when she graduated from the University of Queensland with Class I Honours. Her commitment to her craft is reflected in the numerous professional development courses she participates in, with a desire to get the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Sharon is passionate about empowering patients through education about their dental conditions, supporting them through overcoming dental anxiety, and helping them achieve their dental goals.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Sharon is an avid baker, a keen photographer, and a fitness enthusiast aiming to conquer the Bridge to Brisbane run in 2023.
I always loved going to my own dental visits, and one day I honestly just though ‘why don’t I give dental assisting a go’. I applied for a job and got a call back straight away, and have been in the industry ever since!
I studied my Cert 3 in Dental Assisting online alongside working full time in my first dental job. I chose to do it online so I had more time to work as I am more of a hands on learner.
I LOVE smile makeovers. I love seeing the joy, and happiness it brings patients and the amount of confidence they gain by having their dream smile.
I love feeling like I am making some sort of impact on people’s lives. Whether it is helping them with their smile makeover, holding their hand during a procedure or just being an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
The team, they are all so wonderful and both Darryl and David are so great to work for. But also what our core value is – which is patient care. I think we are a really great team at making sure our patients come first and their experience with us is a positive one each and every time.
Brisbane born and bred, Sarah’s passion for dentistry began during her orthodontic treatment in her teens. After graduating from highschool, Sarah began working as a dental nurse and decided her true calling was as a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then.
Sarah’s focus is on prevention and education. Her goal is to empower her patients so that they can achieve and maintain the best possible oral health for life.
In her free time Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, hiking, attending a pilates class or exploring Brisbane and the surrounds looking for new restaurants to eat at or adventures to have.
I have been a proud part of the Today's Dentistry team for 20 years now.
My journey to get here though was anything but straight forward and I can probably thank my own childhood family dental visits in Newcastle NSW for my interest in this area of care. It too was a very special practice that took the time with their patients young and old and truly cared about them.
Having my own great experiences as a patient I was thrilled for them to accept me for my Year 10 work experience as a dental assistant and fell comfortably into the role. Due to life as it was back then and lack of public transport my career took me in a whole different direction and I had many years at the Aluminium Smelter in Kurri Kurri.
Once my children were at school I applied for a position as a receptionist at the local Dental Practice only to be told it was actually for an assistant and was I still interested? Silly question! Hands on training the old school way which put me in great position for further learning when our family moved to WA for a couple of years and then finally finding my way to QLD and Darrly and David.
Dentistry to me is a package of many very important parts, the precision and artistry of the actual treatment, the person behind the treatment and understanding of not only their dental needs but emotional drivers and the communication and care to put this all together. Although I now find myself not chairside but doing the behind the scenes administration I still get to talk with our patients and be confident that they are in good hands with my wonderful team.
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I love the professionalism and challenge at Today’s Dentistry. It is great to work at a practice that believes in quality patient care”
Founder and Principal Dentist
“I value the many loyal patient relationships that I have built over the last 25 years and enjoy witnessing the procedures I have done stand the test of time.”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I have worked in Dentistry in one form or another since I was 16 years old. I love this profession and making a difference in others lives.”
B.DSc (Hons) B.Sc (Hons)
“Although I love the scientific side of dentistry, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients and surprising them with what modern dentistry is capable of.”