Interview Several Dentists

Interviewing your dentist can be a lot harder than you think.  Many dentists don’t want to be bothered with this, and would rather not do any interview at all, or set you up with an assistant.

Make it clear when you call that you want to set up an interview with the dentist that you will be dealing with.  If the office houses several dentists, you need to ask how they decide which dentist sees which patient.  If necessary, interview several or all of them separately.

Insist on Speaking With the Dentist

If the office absolutely insists that no interview will be possible, politely explain to them that you are considering the dentist as a possible candidate for your family, and that your time is as valuable as theirs.  You are a client after all, not just a patient.  If they still refuse, politely thank them for their time and inform them that you will be reporting your phone call to the state dental board regarding unprofessional conduct, and then do so.

If the office staff and dentist (or dentists) prove to be cooperative, explain that you will need no more than a maximum of 30 minutes of their time, and that you would like to set up an appointment that is convenient for them.  Do not let them charge you for this visit.  This is not a consultation, this is a meeting to see if you want to use them as your family dentist.

Remember, always be polite and courteous.  Do not be goaded into an “exchange of words” or any other such nonsense.  This is a business deal, an important, and often emotional one, but still business.  You deserve to be treated with patience, kindness, and respect, and so does your potential dentist.

1. Choosing a Dentist - OVERVIEW
2. Interview Your Dentists
3. How to Find Dentists to Review
4. Questions to Ask Your Dentist
5. Keep Your Dental Visits Pain Free