Finding a dentist you trust is one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make for your family. While a quick search for a “dentist near me” might yield dozens of results in the York Region, there is a significant advantage to choosing a clinic that is deeply rooted in the community.
Both as a dentist in Markham and as a patient in Durham region where I live, (remember, dentists too have to get their oral health checked) I believe that when it comes to your oral health, one has to be very careful and selective in choosing the right dentist for themselves. Below are some of the most important points that I think our Markham, Scarborough, and York Region community should consider before choosing a dentist.
1. Good Standing with RCDSO
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario maintains a register of all the dentists that are in good standing with the college. Before going to a dentist, you should make sure that they are not under any restrictions or sanctions.
2. Professional Memberships
A dentist that is a member of professional organizations like Ontario Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association are staying up to date with the latest dentistry related protocols, procedures, fee guides, and technologies in the province. Do check their website for the dentist profile and see if what kind of professional memberships they have; for example if you are getting an implant – if they are a member of a prestigious organization like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, you get an added assurance that they have the required qualifications.
3. Website is Maintained
A dental clinic’s website is usually your first point of contact with them, the website should all the information you need for that office, including the dentists’ profile for you to read.
4. They are Making an Effort
Practices that invest in outreach are usually thinking long-term. They are building relationships, not just filling appointment slots. They understand that every new patient represents trust, not just a chart number in a filing system. These clinics tend to focus more on communication, comfort, follow-up, and education, because their reputation and growth depend on people feeling genuinely cared for — and telling others about it.
In simple terms, a clinic that puts effort into finding you is more likely to put effort into keeping you happy, healthy, and confident in your care.
5. Easy Communication
Always look for a dental clinic that gives you multiple ways to communicate and book appointments. Some people prefer texting while others want to talk. By having multiple options the clinic lets you know that they care for your preferences.
6. Advanced Technology, Local Touch
The one thing I love most about my dental clinic in Markham, is the intraoral scanner, a digital scanner that creates a precise 3D scan of your teeth, this helps me explain to each patient their oral health while they clearly see their teeth on the screen. This helps build a relationship of trust – because seeing is believing. The other thing I really like to use is the intraoral camera, which shows actual close-up photos of those hard-to-reach areas that you never get to see in the mirror.
A dental practice that invests in latest tech, will be able to provide the most advanced care. Dentistry keeps evolving with time and a dentist who keeps up-to-date with technology should be your first choice.
7. Don’t Confuse Experience with Expertise
Many people assume that a dentist with more years in practice automatically provides better care. While clinical experience is important, modern dentistry has evolved rapidly, and quality of care today depends just as much on training in current techniques, use of digital technology, and adherence to modern clinical standards.
Dentists who have graduated more recently often receive extensive training in digital imaging, modern restorative materials, minimally invasive procedures, and updated infection-control protocols. These advances can directly affect diagnostic accuracy, comfort, and treatment outcomes.
Ultimately, patients should evaluate a dentist based on current credentials, ongoing education, use of modern technology, and communication style — not only the number of years they have been in practice.
Are you looking for a new dental home? We invite you to visit us and experience our patient-centered approach at Markham South Dental, your family friendly Markham dentist serving Markham, North York, Scarborough and the York Region.
