How do the Dentists Compare

Hi Everyone!

I'm planning a trip to the dentist within a month or so and I just wanted to find out if I should expect something different. I love getting my teeth cleaned but I heard they do it with some kind of sandpapery drill sounding buffer of some sort. That completely freaks me out so if anyone has any comments, please let reply.

ta,
jo

I really like my UK dentist and hygienist. I would go so far as to say I think they do a superior job to my US dentist, and I was very, very happy with my US dentist.

The hygienist in particular was a lot more thorough. My teeth never felt so clean! She used a number of things to clean my teeth, and if she did use the buffer (I honestly can't remember) it certainly didn't hurt (that I would remember!).

My dentist in the US used some little buffing thing that was powered by a thing that I suppose could sound a bit like a drill. It didn't hurt or anything.

I loathe the dentist and my hygienist in the US was absolutely brutal. 

what's a 'dentist' ?

I love my dentist here.  If anything, he is better with better equiptment then anyone I've had in the US.

But I'm sure it all about luck anywhere you live. 

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE my dental hygenist! Although, she happens to be American so im not sure if shes adopted the British ways or has stuck to her American training... but she does an excellent job and it certainly is never painful.

I loved my US dentist so much, that I doubt I'd be able to find anyone to match him in any country! I'd certainly never had another one quite as good before finding him! I am, however, more than satisfied with my UK dentist. I've found, for the most part, that dentists here are pretty comparable to those in the US.

what's a 'dentist' ?

 

The only slightly weird thing I found with my dentist office in London is that when I made an appointment to have my teeth cleaned, I didn't see the dentist at all.  In the US, I always had the cleaning first with the Hygenist and then the dentist would pop in to check everything over and review any x-rays.  At my first UK appt, I got the cleaning from the hygenist and then when I asked if I would see a dentist, she said I would need another appt for the dentist to look over everything.  I have no idea if that is standard, but when making an appt, it might be worth asking if you will see the dentist.

The only slightly weird thing I found with my dentist office in London is that when I made an appointment to have my teeth cleaned, I didn't see the dentist at all.  In the US, I always had the cleaning first with the Hygenist and then the dentist would pop in to check everything over and review any x-rays.  At my first UK appt, I got the cleaning from the hygenist and then when I asked if I would see a dentist, she said I would need another appt for the dentist to look over everything.  I have no idea if that is standard, but when making an appt, it might be worth asking if you will see the dentist.

Yep. This is how it is for me as well. Two appointments, although you can usually schedule them back to back.

My dentist here actually does the cleaning himself! The hygienist just sort of stands there holding the suction thingy. I guess they're all different. But it wouldn't hurt to phone first and find out how it's done at your dentist so you know whether or not you'll need to book two back-to-back appointments.

We had bad luck with our first dentist in the UK.  I also made the mistake of assuming that cleaning and dental appt. were the same thing.  The receptionist would not make an appt. for a cleaning.  She said "See the dentist first and she'll decide if you need a cleaning or not."  Believe me, we needed the cleaning.  I asked if I could get cleaning and dental check appointments together and she said no.  We eventually left that practice.

When I went to the dentist, I kept referring to her (at reception and in person) as Dr. XXX. I couldn't understand why they were so obviously uncomfortable! No one corrected me, though.

It still seems odd to me to call a dentist Mr/Mrs.! 

My only complaint is that the exams are much more cursory here.  I'm suspicious because my US dentist always read me the riot act about not flossing and starting to form periodontal pockets, but my UK dentist says my oral health is "perfect".   

My only complaint is that the exams are much more cursory here.  I'm suspicious because my US dentist always read me the riot act about not flossing and starting to form periodontal pockets, but my UK dentist says my oral health is "perfect".   

I completely agree.  I feel my cleanings are good, but I had same issues in the U.S. and I floss everyday.  Grrrrr.