What makes a good dentist and how do you know you can trust them

Clear explanations, transparent costs and decisions made together are the foundations of a good dental relationship.

Dr Bill Kalis — Saturday 26 September 2026

A good dentist combines clinical skill with clear communication, explains the reasons for treatment and helps you make an informed choice. You should understand what has been found, what your options are and what your care is expected to cost.

For some people, the biggest worry about visiting a dentist is not the treatment itself. It is the thought: "How do I know I really need this? Am I going to be ripped off?"

That is a fair concern to raise. You may have had an unexpected bill, felt rushed into a decision or received different advice from different dentists. Much of what a dentist examines is difficult to see for yourself, which can leave you feeling dependent on someone else's judgement.

As a dentist, I believe trust is something we earn through the way we listen, explain and follow through. At Padstow Dental, our aim is for you to understand the plan and feel comfortable asking questions before deciding how to proceed.

Why patients can find it difficult to trust dental advice

Uncertainty can grow when a recommendation arrives without an explanation. Being told you need several fillings or a crown is very different from understanding where the problems are, how they were identified and why treatment is being suggested.

Cost adds another layer. If you do not know what a fee includes or whether there are reasonable alternatives, it can be difficult to judge value. Previous uncomfortable experiences, fear of being judged and unfamiliar dental language can make it harder to speak up.

These concerns deserve a proper conversation. A question about cost or necessity should be welcomed as part of planning your care.

Good communication starts with listening

Before recommending a treatment plan, a dentist needs to understand what matters to you. Are you struggling to chew? Worried about losing a tooth? Hoping to improve your smile? Concerned about discomfort, time away from work or the cost?

Your answers help guide the discussion. Good communication also means explaining findings in everyday language, checking that the explanation makes sense and giving you room to ask questions. You should not need to know dental terminology to take part.

If you feel overwhelmed, say so. Asking for an explanation again, a written summary or time to think is a reasonable part of making a decision.

You should understand the reason for a recommendation

A useful explanation connects the finding to the proposed treatment. For example, if a crown is recommended, you can ask what is happening to the tooth, why another filling may or may not be suitable, and what the alternatives would involve.

Photographs, relevant X-rays and digital scans can help make the discussion clearer. They need to be interpreted alongside an examination and your history; an image alone does not tell the whole story.

It is also reasonable to ask what needs attention soon, what can be planned for later and what could be monitored. Where delaying care carries a meaningful risk, the dentist should explain that risk and the recommended timeframe clearly, without using pressure to secure agreement.

Transparent costs help you plan with confidence

Before agreeing to care, ask for an explanation of the expected fees and what they cover. For a larger treatment plan, a written estimate helps you review the proposed stages and discuss anything unclear.

Useful questions include whether imaging, laboratory work, temporary restorations, sedation or follow-up visits are included where relevant. Ask what circumstances could change the estimate and how a change would be discussed with you.

The lowest price does not necessarily offer the best value, and a higher price does not prove better care. When comparing plans, check whether they address the same needs and include the same treatment. A clear explanation is more useful than a price alone.

Guided decisions mean working together

Shared decision making brings together the dentist's clinical assessment and your priorities. The dentist explains reasonable options, their likely benefits, risks and limitations, and offers a recommendation with reasons. You contribute your goals, preferences and circumstances.

You should not feel left alone with a confusing menu of treatments. Nor should you feel that the decision has already been made for you. A helpful conversation might be: "These are the options I consider suitable. This is the one I recommend and why. How does that fit with what matters to you?"

Monitoring or deferring treatment may be reasonable in some situations. In others, timely care is important. If treatment needs to be staged, the discussion should cover both the practical benefits and any clinical compromises.

Experience matters alongside honesty about limitations

Relevant qualifications and experience are useful when choosing a dentist. So is a willingness to explain uncertainty, recognise the limits of a proposed treatment and refer to another clinician when appropriate.

I graduated in Dentistry with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney in 1994 and later completed postgraduate study in clinical dentistry at the University of Adelaide. My work as a general dentist has a particular focus on implant, surgical and reconstructive care. That experience informs my recommendations, but each recommendation still needs to make sense for the individual patient.

Dentistry involves biological variation, and no clinician can promise that every treatment will be trouble-free. Being clear about maintenance, possible complications and what happens if a concern arises is an important part of trust. It is also reasonable to seek a second opinion, especially before complex or irreversible treatment. Different opinions are a reason to explore the reasoning, rather than proof that either dentist is dishonest.

How we approach your care at Padstow Dental

Our first consultation is designed to help us understand your concerns, assess your oral health and discuss a considered plan. Treatment is usually not started at that initial consultation, allowing time to explain findings and anticipated costs before the next step.

Our Centre of Excellence philosophy includes the quality of those conversations. We want you to feel heard, understand your options and know what we are working towards together. Building that relationship continues through treatment, review visits and the way we respond when you have questions.

Read about your first visit to Padstow Dental

Five questions to ask before agreeing to treatment

·        What have you found, and can you explain or show me the problem?

·        What are my reasonable options, and why do you recommend this one?

·        What are the benefits, risks and limitations, including if I wait?

·        What is the expected total cost, and what might change it?

·        What follow-up or maintenance will I need?

A good consultation should leave you clearer about your situation and your next step. You can feel confident in your dentist while still asking questions, considering alternatives or taking time to decide.

If uncertainty has been keeping you away from dental care, you can start by telling us exactly that. Call Padstow Dental on 02 9773 4775 or visit us at 14 Howard Road, Padstow NSW 2211 to discuss an appointment.

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