The prospect of needing to go to a dentist is daunting and intimidating for many people. They are more than a little wary about letting someone peek inside their mouths and poke around. Thus, picking the right dentist for you is important in making the onerous and sometimes terrifying trip to the dentist's more comfortable.

What makes a dentist "the best"? What defines a "good dentist"? Many of the traits a dentist must possess are supposed to be common to all good dentists, but some are dependent on the patient's preferences.

Dentists are responsible for decorating their clinics, and the appearance is often reflective of the dentist's personality. Some patients like bright, colorful rooms -- this is often the case for children, who can be the hardest to convince to go to the dentist. Other people prefer plainer, well-lit but not overly-bright rooms. This latter choice is preferred by those who go to the dentist with no significant fears of the dentist's. These people go to have their teeth done, and no more than that. The clinic's appearance affects the clientele profile, and dentists are aware of this.

The second is looking for a dentist who is knowledgeable in both diagnostic and hands-on tasks. While all registered dentists are expected to have a certain level of knowledge and skill, there are some who are clearly a cut above the rest. Asking around can turn up some facts about a dentist's skill, which is important; this is after all, someone you should expect to be sticking steel implements in your mouth.

A gentle dentist is a good dentist. Gentle hands make procedures from cleaning to root canals a less unpleasant experience. This is particularly important in operations that can cause pain, which happens to be most of them. A gentle dentist causes less pain, so this is something to look out for. Again, this is something you can only find out by experiencing or asking around. Don't worry; dentists know that their reputation is strongly reliant on word-of-mouth testimonies, so asking about them is almost expected.

Some people prefer their dentist to be talkative, while others prefer more taciturnity. Dental procedures can take significant lengths of time, which can feel even longer when you are immobile in a chair with your mouth agape. Some like their dentist to talk about many things, although conversation is mostly one-sided. Carrying on a conversation with only your patient's occasional grunts is a skill for some dentists. Other patients prefer that their dentist talks less; they may think talk distracts the dentist, or prefer to keep to themselves. Selecting a dentist based on how talkative and amusing they are is totally up to the patient.

Finally, price is an important consideration. Professional services require fees, but the amount charged is dependent on the dentist's decision. No one wants to pay more than they want to, but different people have different budgets and thresholds for expenditure. Just remember that the general rule is: the higher the expected price, the higher the perceived skill of the dentist.

Remember to build a reasonable relationship stay on good terms with your dentist. You don't want them to "accidentally" slip, now would you?