Searching for a new dental clinic in Nanaimo? Ask these questions before you book your first appointment.
Whether you’re new to Nanaimo, Chemanius, Lantzville or the surrounding communities, or you’re interested in switching to a new local dental clinic, we understand how daunting it can be when you’re looking for the best dentist in Nanaimo. And while you may consider factors such as the dental office’s location and how quickly you can book a dental cleaning, there are so many other questions to ask your new potential dentist before you agree to become a patient. That’s why we wanted to put together a list of must-ask questions if you’re searching for a new dentist in Nanaimo. Here are the top seven questions you should ask when choosing a new Nanaimo dental clinic.
What qualifications and experience does your dental team have?
When choosing the best dental clinic in Nanaimo for your needs, your first question should be about what kind of qualifications and experience your dentist’s team has. And that goes beyond degrees and diplomas. What kind of continuing education does your dentist participate in? Are they active in their community to learn from and teach others?
At Nanaimo Smiles, we believe in lifelong learning, so our team regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest advancements in dentistry, including new techniques and best practices for patient care.
Mentorship is also a big part of our culture. Nanaimo Smiles’ founder, Dr. Nadia Stymiest, regularly leads talks and workshops for the community, for everyone from future dental professionals attending VIU and our youngest community members who are just learning to take care of their teeth through visits to Nanaimo libraries, schools and daycares. At Nanaimo Smiles, learning never ends when it comes to understanding how we can not only continue to improve our quality of care, but also benefit the oral health of our Vancouver Island residents.
What dental services do you offer?
Your dental needs change throughout your life, whether that means taking care of filling cavities or other restorative dentistry, exploring options for teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry, growing your family and having questions about your child’s first dental visit, or even exploring options for straightening teeth. When choosing the best dental clinic in Nanaimo for you, look for a wide range of services to meet your needs now, and in the future at every stage of life.
At Nanaimo Smiles, we’ve got you covered with restorative procedures like fillings or crowns to regain comfort and function, as well as cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening or veneers to boost your confidence. Plus, our dental hygienists are experts at communicating about the best healthy habits to maintain dental health, and can offer advice to anyone in your family, from children to grandparents.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to comprehensive care that grows with your family. From preventive check-ups for your little ones to Invisalign and restorative solutions for adults, we aim to build long-term relationships and provide tailored care that evolves with your family’s needs.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
Dental emergencies can be incredibly stressful, and when one strikes, you want help fast. In the case of a dental emergency, we offer flexible, efficient care. Our Nanaimo office is open on Saturdays, and we accommodate extended hours when necessary. We know you want help fast, so we strive to be responsive and aim to address emergency situations on the same day whenever possible. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or any urgent dental issue, our Nanaimo dental team will prioritize your care, and offer advice on what to do until you can get in to see a dentist.
What is your approach to preventive dental care?
Preventive care is the cornerstone of a healthy smile, and the best dentist in Nanaimo for you should understand just how important it is to not only schedule your regular checkups, but ensure that you’re equipped with the best knowledge to take care of your dental health at home, too. At Nanaimo Smiles, we recommend visiting us at least twice a year for thorough exams and professional cleanings. During these visits, we’ll not only remove plaque and tartar but also check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other potential issues, while going over your at-home dental habits and lending helpful advice to make them even more effective.
How do you ensure patient comfort during dental appointments?
If you’re a little nervous to visit the dentist, please know that you’re not alone! Dental anxiety is very common, and your Nanaimo dentist should be sensitive to this very real fact. At Nanaimo Smiles, your comfort is our top priority, and we go the extra mile to create a relaxing environment for you. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel at ease, which is why we offer comfort items like cozy blankets and ceiling-mounted TVs to enjoy during your treatment. Open communication is key, so we encourage you to share any concerns or questions before, during, and after your appointment.
For those who may feel anxious during visits, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, a safe and effective way to help you relax while receiving treatment. With these extra touches and options, we want to make your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
What financial options are available at your Nanaimo dental clinic?
We all know the feeling of sticker shock, and at Nanaimo Smiles, we understand that this can be a barrier for folks to schedule their dentist appointments. When searching for a dental clinic in Nanaimo, you should never feel like your bill at the end is a surprise, and you should feel confident broaching this subject with your new dentist in Nanaimo.
At Nanaimo Smiles, we’re dedicated to making dental care as accessible as possible for every smile. We provide clear estimates for all our services upfront, so you’ll know exactly what to expect with no surprises. We pride ourselves on being transparent about our fees, and we closely follow the BC Dental Association Fee Guide to ensure our prices are fair and consistent. Our team is here to support you in navigating your options, including discussing the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) to see if you might qualify for assistance. We genuinely believe that everyone deserves access to quality dental care, and we’re committed to working with you to develop treatment plans that fit your budget.
Can I read patient reviews or testimonials?
Nowadays, Google reviews are one of the first places many consumers check to see how a business’s reviews stack up, and we say, more power to you! Whether it’s through reviews or testimonials, when looking for the best dental clinic in Nanaimo for you, hearing about other people’s positive (or negative) experiences is so important.
At Nanaimo Smiles, we love sharing our patients’ experiences on our website, monthly newsletters, social media, and blog. Not only does hearing how we’ve made a difference in someone’s dental health motivate us, but we know that for many, hearing about others’ positive experiences when it comes to children’s dental visits, emergency dental services, or dental anxiety are often so helpful. These testimonials reflect the care and dedication we put into every appointment and show how much we value our patients. We encourage you to check out our 350+ 5-star Google reviews to see how we’ve helped others and to get a sense of the welcoming environment you can expect during your visit.
Feel Confident Finding the Best Dental Clinic in Nanaimo for You
When choosing a new dental clinic in Nanaimo, you should feel confident communicating your needs and understanding how your dental team will support your best oral health. At Nanaimo Smiles, our friendly administration team, registered dental hygienists and dentists are always happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you’ve not only made the right selection, but have a positive dental experience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.