Choosing a Dentist in Glasgow: What to Look For in a Dental Practice
Choosing a dentist is an important decision. You want to know that you are in experienced hands, but you also want to feel comfortable, listened to and confident in the care you receive.
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we understand that choosing a new dentist can sometimes feel daunting, particularly if you have not visited a dentist for some time or feel nervous about dental treatment. That is why we believe it is important to look beyond simply finding a practice that is close to home.
If you are looking for a dentist in Glasgow, here are some of the things we recommend considering before choosing a dental practice.
Meet the dental team
One of the best places to start when choosing a dentist is to find out more about the people who will be looking after you.
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, our dental team includes John Paul Delaney and Olivia Arthur, both of whom trained at the University of Glasgow.
John Paul graduated in 2013 and has developed his skills in implant and cosmetic dentistry. He has particular interests in implant dentistry, caring for dentally anxious patients and gum disease.
Olivia graduated from the University of Glasgow and has completed postgraduate training in advanced restorative and aesthetic dentistry.
Experience is important, but it is also worth considering whether your dentist has experience relevant to your individual needs. If you are considering a particular treatment, such as dental implants or cosmetic dentistry, ask about the treatment, the options available and who will be involved in your care.
Look for clear and honest communication
Dental treatment should never feel confusing.
When treatment is recommended, you should understand what has been found, why treatment may be appropriate and what your options are. You should also feel comfortable asking questions and taking the time you need to make a decision.
If you are considering treatment, it is perfectly reasonable to ask:
- What treatment do I need and why?
- Are there any alternatives?
- What happens if I decide not to have treatment?
- What will the treatment involve?
- How much will it cost?
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we aim to explain dental information in straightforward language without expecting patients to understand complicated dental terms.
Good communication is particularly important when treatment is more involved. Understanding what is being recommended and why can help you feel more confident about your decisions.
If you are nervous about the dentist, choose a practice that understands
For some people, visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety. If you feel nervous about dental treatment, it is worth choosing a practice where you feel able to talk openly about your concerns.
We encourage nervous patients to tell us when they book their appointment. Knowing about your concerns in advance means we can take them into account and discuss ways of making your visits as comfortable as possible.
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we provide information specifically for nervous patients and explain our approach to helping people feel more comfortable during treatment.
Patient feedback also reflects the importance we place on listening and communication. Patients have described feeling reassured, having treatment explained carefully and being given time and breaks when needed.
Every patient is different, so we never assume that one approach will suit everyone. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, please let us know. It is something we are very happy to discuss.
Think about the treatments you may need
When choosing a Glasgow dentist, it is worth considering both the care you need now and any treatment you may potentially need in the future.
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we provide general dental care alongside treatments including:
A long list of treatments does not automatically make a practice the right choice for you. What matters is finding a practice where the services, experience and approach to care match your needs.
For example, if you are primarily looking for regular check-ups and preventive dental care, you may place more importance on convenience, communication and continuity. If you are considering dental implants, orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dentistry, you may want to ask more about treatment planning and the relevant experience of the dental team.
Make sure dental fees are explained clearly
Cost is understandably an important consideration when choosing a private dentist in Glasgow.
We believe patients should have a clear understanding of the cost of proposed treatment before making a decision. At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we provide information about treatment costs and written quotations.
Having the proposed treatment and costs explained clearly can make it easier to understand exactly what has been recommended.
When discussing treatment, we recommend asking what is included in the quoted fee and whether there may be any additional costs associated with future appointments or further treatment.
If finance is available as an option, make sure you understand the terms before agreeing to anything.
Most importantly, you should never feel pressured into making a decision before you are ready. We want our patients to have the information they need to make an informed choice about their dental care.
Consider location and opening hours
Convenience can make a real difference when it comes to keeping up with regular dental appointments.
Queens Drive Dental Practice is located at 118 Queen’s Drive in Glasgow, G42 8BJ. We offer appointments throughout the week, including late appointments on Thursdays and Saturday morning appointments.
Our current opening hours are:
- Monday: 9am–6pm
- Tuesday: 9am–6pm
- Wednesday: 9am–6pm
- Thursday: 9am–9pm
- Friday: 9am–4pm
- Saturday: 9am–1pm
Opening hours can change, so we recommend checking our contact page for the latest information before travelling.
Read patient reviews
Patient reviews can be a useful way of finding out more about what other people have experienced at a dental practice.
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, we publish patient feedback on our website alongside reviews from Google.
When reading reviews, it is worth looking beyond the overall star rating. Pay attention to what patients actually say about the things that matter to you.
For example, some of our patients have commented on being reassured during appointments, having their concerns listened to and having procedures explained clearly.
One patient, Moira Robertson, described being a very nervous patient and said that Olivia and her dental nurse took their time and explained what was happening.
Another patient, Doug Young, commented on the time John Paul took to discuss concerns and explain what might be required in the future.
Every patient’s experience is personal, and reviews cannot guarantee that everyone will have exactly the same experience. However, they can provide a useful insight into how a practice approaches patient care.
Think about continuity of care
If you are starting a course of treatment, it can be reassuring to know who is looking after you and who you can contact if you have questions.
When choosing a dentist, it is worth asking how your treatment will be coordinated and whether you are likely to see the same dentist for your routine appointments.
If continuity is important to you, simply let the dental team know. Good communication and clear follow-up arrangements can make a real difference, particularly if you are having more involved treatment.
Your first contact can tell you a lot
Your first interaction with a dental practice can give you a good indication of what to expect.
Whether you contact us by telephone, email or through our website, you should feel that your questions are taken seriously and that you have an opportunity to explain any concerns.
This is particularly important if you are nervous about dental treatment or have not visited a dentist for some time.
For us, good patient care starts before you sit in the dental chair.
What should you ask before choosing a dentist in Glasgow?
If you are comparing dental practices, it can be helpful to make a short list of questions before you book.
Consider asking:
- Who are the dentists and what experience do they have?
- Does the practice offer the treatment I may need?
- How are treatment options explained?
- How are costs and quotations provided?
- What support is available if I am nervous?
- What are the practice’s opening hours?
- What do existing patients say about their experiences?
- Who should I contact if I have questions after treatment?
There is no single answer to what makes the “best” dentist in Glasgow. The right practice is the one where the clinical experience, services, communication and approach to patient care are right for you.
Why choose Queens Drive Dental Practice?
At Queens Drive Dental Practice, our aim is to provide high-quality dental care in an environment where patients feel listened to and comfortable.
We provide general dentistry alongside cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, teeth straightening and emergency dental care. We also understand that every patient has different needs and concerns, which is why we take the time to discuss treatment and answer questions.
If you are looking for a dentist in Glasgow and would like to find out more about our practice, our team will be happy to discuss your needs and help you decide on the next step.
Visit Queens Drive Dental Practice
Queens Drive Dental Practice
118 Queen’s Drive
Glasgow
G42 8BJ
Telephone: 0141 423 5161
Email: reception@glasgowdentist.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to the practice.
