How Do You Know If a Dentist Is Good? 5 Signs of a Trustworthy Dentist (Port Macquarie Guide)

How to know if a dentist is good ?

Choosing a new dentist can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past. So how do you know if a dentist is actually good? What separates a technically capable dentist from one who’s genuinely trustworthy, communicative, and invested in your long-term oral health?

At Sundial Dental, we believe that great dentistry goes far beyond clean teeth. Here’s what to look for — and how to tell if your dentist truly has your best interests at heart.

1. A Good Dentist Listens — Not Lectures

A great dentist doesn’t rush you through a 10-minute appointment and throw around words you don’t understand.

Instead, they:

- Take time to explain your treatment options in plain English

- Encourage you to ask questions- Respect your concerns and budget

- Help you make informed choices — not pressured ones

At Sundial Dental, Dr. Peter Elfar and his team are known for giving patients the time and clarity they deserve — especially in complex cases like All-on-4 dental implants, full smile makeovers, or major restorative work.

2. They Provide Clear, Transparent Treatment Plans

You should never be unsure about:

- What’s being done to your teeth

- Why it’s being done

- What it will cost

- What outcomes to expect

A trustworthy dentist will walk you through the process step-by-step — and happily show you photos, x-rays, or intraoral camera images so you see what’s happening, not just hear about it.

We even encourage patients at Sundial Dental to bring a support person to complex consultations — because informed decisions start with clear communication.

3. They Invest in the Right Technology — and Use It Well

While fancy gadgets don’t automatically make a great dentist, the right tools in skilled hands can significantly improve results.

Signs of quality care include:

- Digital x-rays and intraoral cameras

- 3D scanning and guided implant placement

- Onsite CAD/CAM milling for crowns and bridges

- Use of photogrammetry and in-house lab support for full-arch restorations (like we do at Sundial Dental)

Ask your dentist about their clinical protocols. A good one will gladly walk you through the ‘how’ and the ‘why’.

4. Word-of-Mouth and Reputation Still Matter

Wondering how most people choose a good dentist?

- Personal referrals from family or friends still lead the way.

- Google reviews are the next best tool — but look beyond the star rating.

Read the comments about: 

- The dentist’s empathy 

- How problems were handled 

-Wait times and communication

At Sundial Dental, we’re proud to have a strong local reputation across Port Macquarie, Taree, Laurieton, and Wauchope — with over two decades of serving our community and thousands of loyal patients.

5. A Good Dentist Grows With You

The best dentists aren’t just focused on the tooth in front of them — they’re thinking long-term:

- How will this treatment affect your health 5, 10, or 20 years from now?

- Are they planning restorations that preserve as much natural structure as possible?

- Are they staying up-to-date with modern, evidence-based techniques?

Dr. Elfar leads a team trained in advanced implantology, full-arch solutions, and laser gum therapy (LANAP) — all backed by robust clinical protocols, ongoing education, and a firm belief in getting it right the first time.

Final Word: How to Know You’ve Found the Right Dentist

Here’s your gut check:

✅ You feel heard, not rushed

✅ You trust what’s being recommended

✅ You understand the plan and the cost

✅ The clinic feels clean, modern, and professional

✅ You leave your appointments more confident — not more confused

If that’s not your current experience, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Ready to Find a Dentist You Can Trust?

At Sundial Dental, we’re redefining what it means to feel cared for at the dentist. Whether you need a simple clean, emergency toothache relief, or a full smile restoration — we’re here to help, without pressure or judgment.

Serving Port Macquarie, Taree, Laurieton & Wauchope. Call us on (02) 6583 3533

Or book an appointment online at https://www.sundialdental.com.au

Your mouth — and your peace of mind — deserve better.