In my previous blog I wrote about the reasons people give for NOT going to the dentist. But what are the reasons people choose one dentist over another? When someone moves into a new area or for some reason has to leave a dentist and find a new one - How do they do it? What do they look for? What is it that is attractive about a dentist?

I do not think I should be under any misguided illusions. Going to a dentist is not like going to the cinema or a restaurant which are mainly pleasurable pursuits. Generally we all know that attending a dental surgery is like going to Sainsbury’s. It has got to be done or suffer the consequences. An empty fridge is like a missing tooth. There is no one but yourself to blame. However, in London there are so many dentists to choose from. How do people choose one dentist in preference to another and when they make their choice;, What is it about that dentist that makes them choose?

I THINK IT IS ALL ABOUT FEELING SAFE. 

When I ask people who come to me for the first time, and I ask them.” Why did you choose me?”, a good proportion of them say that they were recommended by a friend or relative. Of course they never really tell me what the friend or relative actually said. “Seems like a good chap”. “He has got a nice receptionist”.  “He doesn’t hurt”. “Always washes his hands”. “Very up to date”.  “Doesn’t keep me waiting”. “Has a clean toilet”.   I don’t know what they say. But I think I can guess. They just want to feel safe. They want good dentistry, done in a friendly place and done well.

So I think when they ask their question. “Can you recommend a good dentist?” and they say “Yes I go to Haynesdental and I see Emily, Luke or Peter”. They then stare long and hard for any sign of body language or tone of voice; any scars or missing teeth or even a limp or a stutter. Was that a blink? Yes everything seems safe. Haynesdental is ok.  Haynesdental is one of the good guys, and the decision is made. Funny old world isn’t it? Peter Haynes