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How Do You Change Dentist? 

Switching dentists in Bournemouth may seem like a daunting task, but it can often be necessary for a variety of reasons. Whether you’ve relocated, are dissatisfied with your current dentist, or need specialised treatments, finding a new dental care provider can improve your experience and overall oral health. 

Switching dental clinics is a simple process that involves finding and registering with a new clinic. There is no need to transfer records or go through a lengthy switching process like a Doctor.

That being said, it’s important to consider factors like the services they provide, their availability, and the practice atmosphere before making a decision. This guide will help you understand the process of changing dentists and what to look for when making the switch in more detail.

Reasons you might want to change your dentist

There are many reasons why someone would want to switch dental clinics including:

  • Relocation: Moving to a new area is one of the most common reasons people look for a new dental clinic.
  • Dissatisfaction: Poor quality of care, poor communication, or rushed appointments may lead to a lack of trust.
  • Treatment Options: Another common reason for switching is looking for services such as tooth straightening, implants or whitening.

Other common reasons include a lack of convenient appointments as well as unwelcoming atmospheres or concerns about cleanliness.

How to find a dentist

When searching for a dentist, it’s essential to do thorough research by exploring reviews, asking for recommendations, and considering key factors like services, payment options, and location.

Do some research

Do some research and find a few possible dentists. You can find options by

  • Asking for Recommendations: Get referrals from friends, family, or work colleagues. 
  • Looking online: Take a look at review sites like Trust Pilot or WhatClinic or use a search engine such as Google or Bing.

Key factors to consider

To help you decide on the best dentist for you consider:

  • Services Offered: Do they provide the specific services you need, such as cosmetic or specialised treatments?
  • Payment Options: Do they offer a membership scheme so you can pay monthly for your treatment or dental finance? 
  • Comfort: Is the atmosphere welcoming, and do you feel comfortable with the staff?
  • Location and Hours: Ensure the dentist is conveniently located and offers flexible hours.
  • Advanced Technology: Confirm they use modern equipment and offer the services you need.
  • Are they reputable? Find out more on how to check their reputation in the next section.

Find out what others think

It’s always a good idea to find our a bit more about what the practice is like. To do this:

  • Visit the Dentist’s Website: Review their services, credentials, and experience.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Choose a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and cared for.
  • Ask Questions: Discuss treatment approaches, emergency care, and financial policies.
  • Check Online Reviews: Look at patient reviews on independent sites like Google and Trustpilot to gauge care quality and office environment. 

Making the switch to a new dentist

Once you’ve selected a new clinician it’s time to do the admin.

Switching to a new private dentist

  1. Contact the New Dentist: Reach out to the clinic to inquire about their services, appointment availability, and any specific requirements for new patients. Many practices also offer the convenience of booking your appointment online through their website or patient portal.
  2. Register as a New Patient – Fill in any new patient forms and medical questionnaires that are required to complete your registration.
  3. Transfer Your Dental Records: Whilst not essential it may be useful to request your dental records from your current dental practice to be sent to the new practice. 
  4. Schedule an Appointment: Once you’ve registered as a new client, book an appointment for an initial consultation or routine check-up. Some practices may ask you to pay a deposit to secure your slot.
  5. Notify Your Current Dentist: This isn’t essential but it’s good practice to let your current dentist know you’re switching practices. This can usually be done over the phone.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth transition to your new dental care provider while maintaining continuity of care.

How to change as an NHS patient

Registering with an NHS dentist follows the same steps as above, but many NHS practices are either full or have long waiting lists. If you do find a practice with availability, you can proceed by confirming their acceptance of new patients. To complete your registration, you’ll need to fill out a form and provide proof of identity and address. After registering, you can schedule your first appointment.

Changing dentist within a practice

Changing dentists within the same practice can be a straightforward option if you want to continue with the same dental team but need a different specialist. Each dentist within a practice often has an area of expertise. For example, here at Smile Smile Stories some of our team are Invisalign experts, others are specialists in implantology and others like general dentistry. If you feel that another dentist in the practice might be better suited to your needs, have a chat with the staff at reception and they will sort everything out for you.

Changing dentist mid-treatment

young female in a dental chair mid treatment

Changing dentist mid-dental treatment is possible but may require extra planning to ensure a smooth transition. If you’re in the middle of a treatment plan, it’s important to inform your current dentist about your decision and discuss how to transfer your ongoing care to a new provider.

Request your dental records and any treatment details, as these will help the new dentist continue your care seamlessly. Keep in mind that some treatments, such as braces or complex procedures, might require the new dentist to review your progress before proceeding. Make sure the new dentist is comfortable taking over and understands the work that has been done so far.

What to do if you need treatment for a dental emergency

If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to act quickly. Many dental practices, like Smile Stories reserve space for emergency appointments, even if you’re not registered with them. Call local dentists to explain your situation, and they may be able to provide same-day or urgent care to address the problem and relieve pain. You can still switch to a new dentist later if needed, but for emergencies, most dentists will get you out of trouble first.

Conclusion

Changing dentists doesn’t have to be complicated, whether you’re moving, seeking specialised treatment, or simply looking for a better fit. By understanding the steps involved – such as checking availability, transferring records, and ensuring the new dentist offers the care you need – you can make the transition smoothly. It’s important to feel confident in your choice, as the right dentist can make all the difference in your oral health journey.

Looking to change dentists in Bournemouth? Schedule an appointment at Smile Stories today!

Contact Smile Stories today whether you’re looking for someone to get you out of trouble, a dental check-up, cosmetic dentistry or implants.

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