Nobody likes to admit they’ve been settling for subpar dental care, but the truth is, many people stick with the same dental practice for years – even decades – simply out of habit, convenience, or a reluctance to change. Maybe it’s the practice your parents took you to as a kid, or perhaps it’s just the closest one to your house. But familiarity isn’t the same thing as quality care, and loyalty shouldn’t come at the expense of your oral health.
If you’ve been feeling like something’s not quite right with your current dental experience, you’re probably not imagining it. Dental practices, like any other business, can change over time – staff turnover, outdated equipment, shifting priorities, or simply a decline in service standards can all impact the quality of care you receive.
The good news is that you don’t have to settle for dental care that leaves you feeling frustrated, anxious, or poorly treated. Here are five clear signs that it might be time to start looking for a new dental practice – and what you should be looking for instead.
1. You Feel Rushed Through Appointments
One of the clearest indicators of a dental practice that’s more focused on profit than patient care is the feeling that you’re being hurried through your appointments. You know the experience – you’re barely in the chair before the dentist is already wrapping up, you don’t get a chance to ask questions, and you feel like you’re on a dental conveyor belt rather than receiving personalised care.
Quality dental care takes time. A thorough examination involves more than just a quick glance at your teeth. Your dentist should be checking your gums, examining existing fillings and dental work, screening for oral cancer, assessing your bite, and discussing any concerns you might have. This simply can’t be done properly in a rushed five-minute appointment.
If you consistently feel like your dentist is watching the clock instead of focusing on your oral health, that’s a red flag. Good dental practices understand that taking the time to do things properly during routine visits prevents bigger problems down the track – which ultimately saves both you and them time in the long run.
You should leave dental appointments feeling like your concerns have been heard, your questions have been answered, and you have a clear understanding of your oral health status. If you’re walking out feeling confused, dismissed, or like you didn’t get value for your time and money, it’s worth considering whether there might be better options available.
2. Communication Is Poor or Non-Existent
Dental treatment can be complex, and you have every right to understand what’s happening in your mouth and why certain treatments are being recommended. If your current practice struggles with clear communication, that’s a serious problem that affects not just your comfort level, but potentially your oral health outcomes.
Poor communication takes many forms. Maybe your dentist uses lots of technical jargon without explaining what it means for you. Perhaps treatment plans are presented without clear explanations of why the work is necessary, what alternatives might exist, or what happens if you delay treatment. Or maybe you never hear from the practice between appointments, even when test results come back or follow-up care is needed.
Good dental practices prioritise clear, honest communication. They should be explaining procedures in terms you understand, showing you X-rays and pointing out areas of concern, discussing treatment options and their pros and cons, and making sure you feel informed about decisions affecting your oral health.
If you’re frequently left feeling like you don’t understand what’s happening with your dental care, or if you feel like your questions aren’t being answered satisfactorily, those are strong indicators that you might be better served elsewhere.
3. The Practice Feels Outdated or Unclean
Dental technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making treatments more comfortable, more accurate, and often faster than traditional methods. While a practice doesn’t need to have every latest gadget, consistently outdated equipment and techniques can impact the quality of your care.
More concerning than outdated technology, though, is poor hygiene and cleanliness standards. Dental practices should be spotlessly clean, with visible sterilisation procedures and modern infection control measures. If you notice instruments that don’t look properly sterilised, surfaces that aren’t clean, or staff who aren’t following proper hygiene protocols, that’s a serious red flag.
You should also pay attention to the overall condition of the practice. Broken equipment that’s not being repaired, outdated facilities that create an uncomfortable environment, or a general sense that the practice isn’t being properly maintained can all indicate broader problems with how the business is being run.
Modern dental practices invest in maintaining clean, comfortable, up-to-date facilities because they understand that this creates a better experience for patients and allows them to provide higher quality care.
4. You Never Feel Comfortable or At Ease
Dental anxiety is incredibly common, but a good dental practice should be making every effort to help you feel comfortable and at ease during your visits. If you consistently leave appointments feeling stressed, anxious, or like you were treated poorly, that’s not something you have to accept.
This might show up as staff who seem impatient with your questions or concerns, a dentist who doesn’t take the time to explain procedures before starting them, or a general atmosphere that feels cold or unwelcoming. Maybe you feel judged about the state of your oral health rather than supported in improving it.
Good dental practices understand that patient comfort directly affects treatment outcomes. When patients feel comfortable and trust their dental team, they’re more likely to attend regular appointments, follow treatment recommendations, and communicate openly about problems or concerns.
If your current practice leaves you feeling anxious or uncomfortable, it’s worth exploring whether other burwood dentist options might provide a more positive experience. Dental care shouldn’t be something you dread – while it might not be your favourite activity, you should at least feel respected, comfortable, and well-cared-for during your visits.
5. Treatment Recommendations Don’t Make Sense
Perhaps the most serious red flag is when treatment recommendations seem excessive, inconsistent, or don’t align with what other dental professionals have told you. This might show up as suddenly being told you need extensive work that wasn’t mentioned in previous visits, being pressured into expensive treatments without clear explanations of why they’re necessary, or receiving widely different treatment recommendations from different dentists within the same practice.
Over-treatment is unfortunately a real problem in some dental practices, where the focus shifts from providing necessary care to maximising revenue. Warning signs include being presented with large treatment plans without options for prioritising work, feeling pressured to commit to expensive treatments immediately, or being told that minor issues require major interventions.
On the flip side, under-treatment can also be problematic. If you’re consistently told “everything looks fine” despite symptoms or concerns you’re experiencing, or if obvious problems are being ignored or minimised, that suggests the practice isn’t providing thorough care.
You should feel confident that treatment recommendations are based on your actual oral health needs, not the practice’s financial needs. Good dental professionals will explain why treatments are necessary, discuss timing and alternatives, and help you prioritise care based on your individual situation and budget.
What to Look for in a New Practice
If you’re recognising these red flags in your current dental care, the good news is that there are excellent alternatives available. When looking for a new dental practice, prioritise:
Clear communication – from the first phone call through to ongoing care, you should feel heard, informed, and comfortable asking questions.
Comprehensive care – appointments that feel thorough rather than rushed, with time for examination, discussion, and addressing your concerns.
Modern facilities – clean, well-maintained practices with up-to-date equipment and visible hygiene protocols.
Patient-focused approach – staff who seem genuinely interested in your comfort and wellbeing, not just processing appointments.
Transparent treatment planning – clear explanations of recommended treatments, alternatives, and costs, without pressure tactics.
Many burwood dentists focus specifically on creating positive patient experiences, understanding that good dental care involves much more than just technical skills – it requires communication, empathy, and a genuine commitment to patient wellbeing.
Making the Change
Switching dental practices might feel daunting, especially if you’ve been with your current provider for a long time. But your oral health is too important to compromise on, and you deserve dental care that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Most new practices will help coordinate the transfer of your dental records, making the transition as smooth as possible. Many also offer new patient consultations that give you a chance to meet the team, see the facilities, and get a feel for their approach before committing to ongoing care.
Remember, you’re not just looking for someone to fix problems when they arise – you’re looking for a dental partner who will help you maintain good oral health for years to come. That relationship is worth investing time in finding the right fit.
Your oral health affects your overall wellbeing, your confidence, and your quality of life. Don’t settle for dental care that leaves you feeling frustrated, anxious, or poorly served. There are better options available, and you deserve to find them.
