My Singapore Dentist

So Singapore’s going through a “technical recession” and following the flow of things, we need to SCRIMP here and SAVE there. So should we just be price conscious and go for the absolute lowest or are there other things to consider?

I pose this question as many Singaporeans, being savvy door-knocking-consumers, will check at least a few dental clinic just asking about “Excuse me girl, how much do you charge for (blank)?” And after consolidating a substantial list of 3 prices, veer towards the least pocket pinching one, rationalising that it’s the most ‘VALUE FOR MONEY!’. If this is the consensus before the recession, then what more right now?!

So before you start saying the total opposite, like going for the most expensive clinics, let’s consider the factors when going for dental treatment in Singapore.

1. How much you’re willing to pay:
   If money’s not an option, you’re spoilt for choice.

   But if you’re willing to pay for intangibles like experience of the dentist, additional accreditation, yet not into the Prada and Gucci of dentistry, then you’re looking at the middle tier dentist.

   Lastly, if you just want to go see a dentist because you think your teeth need some immediate attention cause of the pain, but other than that don’t want to spend anything more for 6 monthly check-ups and basically any form of preventive measures. You’re totally controlled by the cost of the treatment rather than any other factor, then you’ll probably choose the cream of the cheapest to get work done.

2. What factors you’re looking for:
   You want the most value for money to get the “best dental treatment you can get with your dollar”, then you need to have a few more filters than just how much the treatment cost. I’ve come up with a few question that would help you make a more informed decision:
   1. Years of experience
   2. Specialist accreditation
      (e.g. is he an endodontist or a general practitioner that will be doing the Root canal treatment for you)
   3. Track record
      (e.g. how many jaw surgeries he has done in the last 10 years, 2 or 20?)
   4. Location
      (is it near your office or home?)
3. Feel good factor:
   To you, dental treatment should come with all the shiny bells and tinkling whistles. So these are some of the intangible “feel good factors” you could ask if they provide:
   1. During the procedure, is there anything that you can do like watch a movie or you’re just sitting there staring into blankness wondering if the ceiling has been cleaned or would dust settle into your mouth or any other random question to tide the time away. Some dental clinics let you listen to music, watch a movie, sleep (most), provide an MP3 player with a billion songs to choose from.
   2. Atmosphere of the waiting room:
      Simple things that help you enjoy waiting, because in the medical and dental line, waiting is something that we all need to do as it’s sometimes not the doctor’s fault, rather it’s the patient before you that came half-hour late! So can you walk around and get them to call you when it’s your turn, or is there any form of entertainment like a PSP, Wii that you can play while you wait?
   3. Eye candy:
      Maybe it’s a hot nurse or receptionist that you just enjoy talking to that makes you want more. (i know this has nothing to do with the profession but it does come under the entire ‘feel good’ and ’service package’)

   So as you can see, there are many forms of added value that you need to be aware of, rather than just going for the cheapest. While some might still go for the cheapest due to this mentality being ingrained into the Singapore mindset, for the savvy patient, find out more about the doctor, clinic and just what you are getting more for paying X dollars more!