By Kohen Zain
Decades ago, finding a dentist usually meant driving long distances to reach the nearest town with a dental clinic. If you wanted your choice of dentists or required specialised orthodontic treatments, you might have driven hundreds of km to the nearest city!
Whilst this might have been true fifty years ago, most people are now within easy distance of at least one dentist. The question still remains, however – how far should you travel to see a dentist in Launceston? The rationale, however, has changed because now it’s less about the actual distance involved and more about other practical considerations.
Is Time or Distance Important?
Today, we often consider the time involved in doing something rather than the distance we need to travel. This shift means that time is a more significant factor than distance when choosing a dentist, especially with our busy schedules and daily demands, which make convenience a top priority.
For people living in remote areas, the decision to travel for dental care often hinges on how much time they have available and the importance of the visit. Unlike townies who live close to a variety of services, people in more secluded locations must carefully consider the importance of each visit against the time and effort it takes to reach their destination.
What About Specialised Services?
One good reason to travel farther to a dentist, especially for families with children, is to find a clinic that offers a wide range of treatments all under one roof. Choosing a dentist who can handle everything from regular check-ups to orthodontics and specialised services makes it easier to schedule appointments, reducing the need for multiple trips. This approach is particularly convenient for busy families, making longer trips worthwhile.
Do You Like Your Dentist?
Having a good relationship with your dentist is incredibly important. Trust, comfort, and open communication play key roles in effective dental care. If your dentist really understands your dental history and you trust them, it’s often worth travelling a bit further to keep seeing them. After all, regular care from a dentist who knows your personal and family dental history can make a big difference in the quality of your treatment and how comfortable you feel during visits. So, if your visits are infrequent but crucial, sticking with a trusted dentist might justify the extra travel time.
What About Costs?
Cost is another significant factor because if a dentist’s prices are reasonable and they provide all the services you need, then travelling to your preferred dentist makes sense. However, you also need to weigh these costs against the inconvenience and expense of travelling. In some cases, the cost of local services may prove less than the cost of cheaper services elsewhere when you include the cost of travelling.
Making the Best Choice for Your Dental Health
Deciding how far to travel for your dental care is a balance of time, convenience, costs, service quality, and personal comfort. So, think about what matters most to you when it comes to your dental care – whether it’s cutting-edge treatment options, affordability, or a trusting relationship with your dentist. The key is to compare the long and short-term benefits of both options and decide which fulfills your needs best.
