You know, most of us don’t really give dentists much thought until we’re stuck in that moment. Maybe you bite down wrong on something and feel that crack you hope you imagined, or you wake up one morning with a dull ache that keeps pulsing behind your cheek. That was me when I first moved to Lawson. I had no clue where to go. Every clinic had a website with smiling stock photos and promises about “the best care,” and none of it made the choice any clearer.

I ended up sitting there in my kitchen, an ice pack on my face, trying to figure out how to pick a Lawson dentist I wouldn’t regret seeing. It took a bit of trial and error, honestly, but I picked up a few things that might help you if you’re in the same spot.

Start by figuring out what you actually need

Dentists all do different things. Some mostly help families—regular check-ups, kids losing baby teeth, that sort of thing. Others are more about cosmetic work or more involved repairs. Before you call anyone, think about what you’re likely to need or what’s worrying you right now.

Could be:

• A standard clean and a look-over
• Braces or retainers if you’ve got kids in the mix
• Whitening, if you’re thinking about sprucing up your smile
• An urgent fix for a tooth that cracked at the worst time

I’ve noticed that the clinics I’ve liked best were always upfront about what they do well and what they might refer you elsewhere for. That honesty counts for a lot.

Get a sense of how long they’ve been around

It sounds simple, but it matters. Some dentists have been working in Lawson for decades and just understand the common issues that pop up here, like the way the tap water can stain your teeth over time. Others have extra training in specific areas.

I got in the habit of asking how long they’d been practising and whether they were still going to courses to keep up with new methods. A lot of the good ones are part of professional groups or stay updated in other ways.

When you ask about experience, consider:

• How many years have they been in practice locally
• Whether they have any specialties (like implants or children’s dentistry)
• If they attend professional development regularly
• What sort of patients do they see most often

One dentist I saw early on took the time to explain each step before they did anything. Even when it was just a simple filling, they paused to check I was okay. That sort of approach stuck with me more than any fancy plaque on the wall.

Talk about the money stuff early

Dental bills can catch you out. Even something you think will be straightforward might cost more than you expect once you’re in the chair. I always ask for a clear estimate before I agree to any treatment, and I’d recommend doing the same.

It helped me to look up what’s considered average around here. I ended up on dental health in NSW, reading about what different treatments cost, so I wasn’t completely in the dark.

Some things I always ask:

• Will you write down the costs before you start?
• Are there extra charges if I need to come in after hours?
• Can I pay in smaller chunks if it’s a big job?
• Do you bulk bill kids if they’re eligible?

Don’t let reviews be the only thing you look at

I’m guilty of scrolling through ratings, too, but honestly, they’re only part of the story. One person’s five-star review doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience. A one-star rant might be about something that wouldn’t bother you at all.

When you’re checking reviews, it helps to:

• Look for patterns in what people say
• Notice if multiple reviews mention friendly staff
• See if complaints keep coming up about the same issue
• Combine reviews with recommendations from people you trust

When I was looking around Lawson, I tried to see if there were patterns—like if a bunch of people said the staff were friendly or the place was always clean. That felt more useful than a single glowing paragraph.

And really, word of mouth still matters. A neighbour told me about the first dentist I tried, and that recommendation felt a lot more solid than anything I read online.

Notice what the place feels like

You can tell a lot just by sitting in the waiting room for a few minutes. Is the receptionist polite? Does it feel clean without feeling like a cold hospital? I’ve been in clinics where nobody even looked up to say hi, and I left before I ever booked an appointment.

Signs you’ve found a comfortable practice:

• The reception staff acknowledge you when you arrive
• The waiting area feels tidy but welcoming
• Treatment rooms look clean and organised
• You feel okay asking questions

I took my youngest in for a filling once, and we walked straight back out because the atmosphere was tense. The next place we tried was calmer, and the dentist took time to explain everything. My kid ended up feeling braver than I expected, just because of that simple kindness.

Ask what your options are

Good dentists won’t just push the priciest treatment. They’ll lay out what’s possible and explain the pros and cons of each. If you crack a tooth, there’s probably more than one way to fix it, depending on what you can afford and what feels right.

Here’s what to ask about:

• What are the simplest options?
• Are there mid-range treatments that balance cost and durability?
• What’s the most advanced or lasting solution?
• How much time do you have to decide?

I’ve been to a clinic where they only talked about the most expensive fix, and it felt like a sales pitch. These days, I prefer someone who gives you time to think.

There’s plenty you can learn by finding the right dentist if you want to get a better idea before you decide.

Don’t skip prevention

The best clinics I’ve come across don’t just fix problems—they show you how to avoid them. That’s saved me a lot of trouble over the years.

Ask if they:

• Send reminders for check-ups
• Offer sealants or fluoride treatments for kids
• Spend time showing you how to clean better at home
• Recommend products that might help

Some clinics share info about preventative dental care tips that can help you tweak small habits. Little things, like switching to a soft toothbrush, can make a difference in the long run.

A last thought

Picking a dentist feels like a big decision, and it should. You’re trusting someone with your health, after all. What I’ve learned is that you can spot the good ones by how they make you feel—whether you’re respected, listened to, and not rushed into anything.

Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t sit right. Once you find a Lawson dentist who ticks those boxes, you won’t dread booking your next check-up quite so much.