Dental offices are run by a single provider offering traditional dental services, the conventional model many people are familiar with from their childhood. However, dental centers, which have multiple practitioners often covering various specialties, are becoming a growing trend.
One of the appeals of a dental center is the availability of several providers at once. However, this can lead to a more impersonal dentist-patient relationship. One of the benefits of a dental office is knowing who will be providing treatment and developing a level of trust and knowledge. Determining the right type of dental practice will depend on the patient’s needs and other various factors.
When determining where to receive dental care, think about what is most important in terms of atmosphere and type of service. A single-provider dental office offers a level of personalized care that cannot be found elsewhere. Patients who desire a warmer relationship with their dentist may benefit from a dental office.
Single-provider offices are more likely to get to know their patients and their specific oral health needs better. When it is time for an appointment, the dentist knows details beyond what is included in the patient chart. If quick, impersonal health care visits are a turnoff, a dental office may be the right option.
Dental offices benefit from a smaller staff focused on providing patients with a quality experience. Dentists and their patients have more freedom in how they interact and more leverage in their treatment plans. These patients often trust their dentist more and are more open to treatment recommendations.
Patients are also often given more time in a dental office. Longer appointment times provide the dentist a chance to learn more about the patient’s oral health, overall health history, and fears about treatment. By taking the time to know their patients fully, a dental office can avoid falling victim to a "one size fits all" approach. Sometimes a treatment can be less aggressive or avoided altogether due to the significant advantage of knowing a patient’s long-term oral health history.
A dental office can make sure a patient’s preferences in communication, education, and specialized care are all taken into consideration.
A dental office is owned and operated by someone who attended four years of dental school after college and is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine. This person is responsible for the diagnosis of dental disease and treatment planning for the patient. Individual states also have licensing requirements, which include two exams covering written and clinical components.
Many dentists who manage their own offices also take business courses. The American Dental Association even offers an executive program in dental practice management. Patients who receive services at a dental office can be assured that their provider has the credentials to provide comprehensive treatment.
There can be several types of dental professionals working in a given dental office, including the dentist, the dental hygienist (responsible for preventative treatment such as professional cleaning), and the dental assistant (helps the dentist during specific procedures).
Other members of the office staff include the receptionist and office manager who help the practice run smoothly. These staff members assist with check-in, appointment scheduling, billing and other necessary paperwork.
