Choosing a Dentist in Barry: What to Look for in a Local Dental Practice
Choosing a dentist in Barry is not something most people have to do very often. If you are looking for a new practice, it can be difficult to know what to look for beyond a website and a list of treatments.
Of course, the treatments a practice offers matter. But so does the way you feel when you contact the practice, particularly if you are nervous about dental treatment or have been away from the dentist for some time.
Here are some practical things to consider before you book, using Advance Dental Care on Lakin Drive in Barry as an example.
Finding a Dentist Who Understands Dental Anxiety
If you feel nervous about going to the dentist, this is one of the first things to look into. Around 40 percent of the population are affected in some way by dental phobia, so finding a practice that understands anxious patients can make a real difference.
It is easy for a website to say that nervous patients are welcome. Patient reviews can give you a much better idea of what that actually means.
At Advance Dental Care in Barry, one patient described spending four months looking for a dentist after 15 years of being terrified. They found a team who were happy to stop and pause during treatment whenever a break was needed.
For someone who has been putting off dental care because of anxiety, experiences like this can be reassuring.
Look at the Treatments the Practice Offers
It is worth looking at the treatments available before choosing a practice, even if you only need a routine check-up at the moment.
Advance Dental Care in Barry offers general and cosmetic treatment, including Invisalign, veneers, dental implants and smile makeovers. The practice also offers traditional orthodontic treatments including Fastbraces and Inman Aligners for patients looking for a way to straighten their front teeth.
Having a range of treatments available can also be useful if your dental needs change in the future.
Take a Look at the Dentist’s Experience
You may also want to find out a little more about the dentist who will be treating you.
Every UK dentist is registered with the General Dental Council, but you can also look at their experience and any additional training they have completed.
Andrew Nourish, owner of Advance Dental Care, qualified from Birmingham University in 1998. He spent three years working in a specialist orthodontic practice in Northampton before completing a one year course in Advanced Restorative and Cosmetic Dental Techniques at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. He has a particular interest in gentle, straight teeth dentistry.
Read the Reviews, Not Just the Star Rating
A practice’s overall rating is useful, but it is worth taking a few minutes to read what patients have actually said.
Look for reviews that mention:
- How the team treated a nervous or first time patient
• Whether individual members of staff are mentioned by name
• Whether patients felt listened to and comfortable
• How long patients have stayed with the practice
• Whether people continue to travel to the practice after moving away
These details can give you a much better feel for the patient experience than a star rating on its own.
Ask About Costs and Consultations
It is always sensible to understand how consultations and costs work before you need treatment.
Private dental costs can vary between practices. If you are considering cosmetic treatment, a free consultation can give you an opportunity to discuss your options before deciding whether you want to go ahead.
Advance Dental Care offers a free cosmetic consultation covering Invisalign, veneers, dental implants and smile makeovers.
Think About Comfort as Well as Treatment
If you are nervous about dental treatment, it is worth asking how the practice approaches your comfort during appointments.
Patients at Advance Dental Care have described treatment being paused and slowed down when they needed a break during more involved procedures. Knowing that you can tell the team when you need some time can make an appointment feel much more manageable.
Your First Phone Call Can Tell You a Lot
Your first conversation with a dental practice can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Are your questions answered clearly? Do the staff take the time to listen? Are you given a straightforward explanation of what happens next?
If you are anxious, you can also ask how new patients are looked after when they first arrive. Being able to talk about your concerns before an examination can make that first appointment feel easier.
Advance Dental Care is based on Lakin Drive in Barry, near Cardiff, and patients travel from outside the immediate area to attend the practice. One patient who moved to the other side of Cardiff two years ago still makes the journey back to Barry specifically to stay with the practice.
If you live in Cardiff, it may be worth considering the journey alongside the things that matter most to you when choosing a dentist.
Why Choose Advance Dental Care in Barry?
Advance Dental Care in Barry is focused on helping patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist. The practice is led by Andrew Nourish, alongside a team including Diane and Courtney, who patients have mentioned by name when talking about their experience.
One Google review says:
“I have been going here for nearly 10 years and I have always found everyone so friendly and helpful! The dentists are always so approachable with a caring attitude! Best dentist practice in Barry.”
Advance Dental Care patient, Google review
For someone choosing a new dentist, hearing from people who have stayed with a practice for many years can be useful when deciding where to book.
Choosing the Right Dentist for You in Barry
There is no single answer when it comes to choosing a dentist. The right practice for you will depend on what you are looking for, whether that is help with dental anxiety, a particular treatment or simply a practice where you feel comfortable.
Before booking, take some time to look at the treatments offered, read the patient reviews and find out how the practice approaches consultations.
If you are looking for a dentist in Barry, or a dentist near Cardiff, Advance Dental Care welcomes new patients at Lakin Drive, Highlight Park, Barry.
Call 01446 488 658 to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a dentist in Barry?
Look at how the practice supports anxious patients, the treatments available, the dentist’s experience, patient reviews and how consultations work.
Is Advance Dental Care in Barry worth the drive from Cardiff?
One patient who moved to the other side of Cardiff two years ago still travels back to Barry specifically to stay with the practice. If you live in Cardiff, this is something you may want to consider when choosing a dentist.
How do I know if a dentist is good with anxious patients?
Read patient reviews that describe their experience. Look for comments about staff taking their time, listening to concerns and pausing treatment when needed.
Does Advance Dental Care in Barry offer a free consultation?
Yes. Advance Dental Care offers a free cosmetic consultation covering Invisalign, veneers, dental implants and smile makeovers.
Is a higher star rating always a sign of a better dentist?
Not necessarily. A star rating is useful, but reading individual reviews can give you more information about how patients feel about the team and their treatment.
Where is Advance Dental Care in Barry located?
Advance Dental Care is based on Lakin Drive, Highlight Park, in Barry, near Cardiff, and welcomes patients from Barry, the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.
