Nairobi is fortunate to have many qualified dentists to serve the city and its many neighborhoods, as well as the towns in the suburbs. But, with so many dentists and options to choose from, how do you choose the best Nairobi dentist that’s right for you?
Tips for Choosing the “Best Nairobi Dentist” for You
There is no simple or magic solution to this question, but these tips can help you narrow the list and give you the tools to make an informed decision.
1. Set Priorities
Before seeking out a new dentist, think about what you want out of the experience and what matters most to you. What are your must-haves and what might you be willing to compromise on?
Things to consider include:
Proximity: How far do you want to travel to see your dentist? How convenient is the route to you? Will you need to sit in traffic to get to and from?
Office Size: Large and small practices each have their benefits and drawbacks. Sole providers or small offices mean that you are more likely to form a personal relationship with your dentist, but it could take longer to schedule an appointment. Larger offices can involve having to get to know more dentists and staff, but offer more services and have more flexible scheduling.
Dental History: If you have a specific dental issue or suspect that you might, look for a provider who specializes in that area. If you have a relatively clean dental history, your choices will be much more open.
Scheduling: Are you limited in the times that you can visit the dentist? If so, look for providers who can meet your schedule. Larger offices tend to be more flexible about offering evening and weekend appointments.
2. Reviews Matter
Reviews matter when choosing the best Nairobi dentist. Healthcare is a business that’s built on referrals, both on medical expertise and bedside manner. This applies to dentistry as much as any other type of doctor. And, in the age of Google and Facebook, it’s tough to do anything these days without reading at least a few reviews first.
Make sure to read online reviews for the dentists you are considering, but remember that they only tell part of the story. These comments tend to be dominated by people who had overly negative or overly positive experiences, which makes it difficult to get the full picture.
Utilize social media for recommendations, or seek input from friends, family, and colleagues to get a better sense of a dentist’s reputation in the community. If someone in your network has had a good experience, they will likely be happy to pass along the information to someone else who is interested.
3. Insurance and Payment Options
Another important factor to consider is whether a dentist accepts your insurance. This might not be as easy to find online, so be prepared to contact the office directly to ask. Your insurance company may also be able to give you a list of dentists who are part of their network.
This is also a good opportunity to ask about payment options and, if applicable, what the price range is for a particular procedure.
The conversation about payment options becomes even more important if you do not have dental insurance. Many large dental offices have special offers and coupons and offer payment plans and credit financing, but smaller offices might not.
4. Try It Out
How to choose the best Nairobi dentist – trust is important. So you’ve done your research but are still torn between a few dentists? The best way to make a final decision is to contact each of them and ask to set up an appointment. Many practices offer free consultations for new patients, so you have nothing to lose.
This visit will give you the opportunity to assess the dentist and the practice as a whole to make sure that it meets all of your priority criteria. A good dentist should respect your desire to make an informed decision. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to come back.
Again, the good news about Nairobi is that there are plenty of dentists to choose from. You only have one set of teeth so make sure that you do your due diligence in finding the one that’s right for you.
When Should I Take My Child To The Dentist?
If you are asking this question then first know that you are not alone. Most parents are not sure about the correct time to schedule their child’s first dentist appointment. Should your child wait and go after the first tooth comes in? Or is it better to wait until after all their baby teeth come in?
According to experts, your child’s first scheduled dental visit should occur within six months of the first tooth erupting, but no later than age two.
“If my child only has a few teeth, why the need to go so early?” This is a very common question parent also ask.
A child’s first appointment is generally more about introducing them to the dental office and dentist and learning about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Typically your dentist will not do an actual exam on the first visit. They may peek inside your child’s mouth so they can make sure the teeth are coming in properly and there are no major issues, but generally, this visit is more about building trust and awareness.
Establishing trust and building a relationship with the dentist often helps the child overcome dental fears later on and can even help avoid dental anxieties altogether.
What Happens After a Child’s First Dental Visit?
After your child’s first visit, it is highly recommended that they visit the dentist every six months unless the dentist sees a reason to come more often.
Once your child is ready for their second visit, this is where your dentist will begin to work on your child’s teeth. Typically, the second dentist visit will include counting the child’s teeth and brushing and polishing them.
When Does My Child Receive Full Dental Exams?
By the age of 3, your child will begin receiving full dental exams. As previously mentioned, they may begin fluoride treatments. They also will learn the importance of flossing and brushing their teeth thoroughly. Here, parents are typically asked to participate so they can help their child properly brush at home. The dentist will also show parents how to help floss a child’s teeth in addition to teaching them helpful techniques to ensure a child brushes thoroughly.
Dentists recommend that your child brushes their teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Your dentist may recommend a toothbrush that has a built-in timer or light that flashes when done. Or, they may recommend some fun songs and games you can play with your child to help them reach their two-minute goal.
By age 5 your child will be old enough to receive X-rays.
Our Advice for All Parents
Don’t be hesitant to bring your child to the dentist, even if you feel they are a bit young. The best way to ease fear and anxiety about the dentist is to get your child comfortable with the dentist as early as possible. Bring them along to one of your dental exams and get them started with their appointments at a young age.
If your child popped that first tooth and is ready to visit the dentist for the first time, let us help start you and your child down the path of good oral health.
At Arrow Dental Centre, your comfort is our top priority. We are proud to offer quality and affordable dental care. Book your next dental appointment, or call for a consultation today!
