Selecting a dentist is a little like selecting a mechanic: you require someone honest, skilled, and preferably someone who will not make you feel self-blamed over letting things get so out of control. Richmond is not lacking in dental practices, with sleek clinics in Sheen Lane as well as smaller family-run offices hidden in the corners of the town centre. However, having more choices does not necessarily equate to an easy decision. More like, the abundance of options only complicates the entire situation. Searching for family-friendly dental care, find out more about our dentist in Richmond.

Now here is a thing to bear in mind: what suits your neighbour best, will suit you badly. A dental anxiety patient requires an entirely different setting than a person who just has a rapid scale and polish. A three-child, under-ten family requires a dose of flexibility and patience. Before you even go to Google, you should start by telling the truth about what actually matters to you location, opening hours, NHS vs private, specialist services. Write it down if you have to. Seems like easy stuff but majority of people miss this step and end up in a place that half-works with them.

Richmond has a good combination of NHS-registered and private dental practices. NHS places are truly difficult to come by at the moment, so in case money is an issue, call early and get on waiting lists. In private practices you may find more flexibility in scheduling and a broader assortment of cosmetic procedures such as whitening, Invisalign or veneers – handy when you have a different agenda than merely keeping your teeth clean. There are practices that provide both, thereby giving you the choice of what treatment you require.

The power of word of mouth remains significant here. Ask a friend, a workmate, a parent at the school gates. To hear any dentists say to me: “I will not make you feel stupid because you did not floss this week” is, to be honest, high praise and something worth pursuing. Online reviews are also helpful, but seek patterns rather than dwell on a single bad review by a person who was obviously having a bad day anyway.

Take the initial consultation seriously. The first appointment speaks volumes- is the receptionist pleasant? Does the dentist listen, or is he half out the door before you can finish your sentence? A good dentist in Richmond will listen to you, clarify your choices, and never insist on treatment you do not need. That’s the baseline. Anything less, keep looking.