To choose a dentist, look beyond advertising and price alone: check the dentist’s qualifications and areas of focus, the clinic’s hygiene, how clearly diagnoses and options are explained, whether you receive a written plan and cost before treatment, how emergencies are handled and how easy it is to reach the clinic. A good first consultation tells you most of what you need to know.
Why choosing a dentist deserves some thought
Dental treatment is a long-term relationship. Fillings, crowns and implants are maintained for years, gum health is followed over decades, and children grow up visiting the same clinic. In Tripoli, as elsewhere in Lebanon, patients have many clinics to choose from and a wide range of prices. The questions below help you compare on what really matters.
1. What are the dentist’s qualifications and areas of focus?
All dentists in Lebanon must be registered to practise. Beyond the basic dental degree, many dentists hold additional diplomas or master’s degrees in a field such as prosthodontics, aesthetic dentistry, paediatric dentistry or endodontics. It is reasonable to ask who will carry out your treatment and what their training is in that field.
2. Does the clinic explain the diagnosis clearly?
A good dentist explains what they see, shows you on the X-ray or in a mirror, and uses words you understand. You should leave knowing what the problem is, how urgent it is and what happens if you do nothing.
3. Are several options presented?
Most dental problems have more than one solution: a filling or an inlay, a bridge or an implant, composite or ceramic veneers. A trustworthy dentist presents the realistic options with their advantages, limitations and costs, and respects your choice.
4. Do you receive a treatment plan and cost before starting?
For anything beyond a simple filling, ask for a written or clearly explained plan with the steps, the number of visits and the cost. This avoids surprises and lets you plan financially. Our diaspora planning guide shows how this helps when your time in Lebanon is limited.
5. How is hygiene and sterilisation handled?
Instruments should be sterilised between patients, single-use items should be used once, and surfaces should be cleaned between appointments. You can simply ask how the clinic sterilises its instruments; a professional clinic will answer without hesitation.
6. Is prevention part of the conversation?
A dentist who talks about brushing, cleaning between teeth, diet, fluoride and regular check-ups is investing in your long-term health, not only in the treatment of today’s problem.
7. How are pain and anxiety managed?
Ask how local anaesthesia is given, whether you can raise a hand to pause and how anxious patients or children are approached. A calm, patient attitude makes a big difference, especially for people who have had difficult experiences.
8. What happens in an emergency?
Toothache, swelling and broken teeth do not wait for a convenient appointment. Find out how to reach the clinic quickly, for example by WhatsApp, and how urgent cases are seen.
9. Is follow-up organised?
After treatment, good clinics check healing, adjust what needs adjusting and remind you of check-ups. Ask what follow-up is included, especially after surgery, implants or prosthetic work.
10. Is the clinic easy to reach?
Location, parking, access by stairs or lift and opening times all matter when you need several visits. In Tripoli, traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip; our neighbourhood guide shows how patients reach our clinic from different parts of the city.
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to decide immediately on large or expensive treatment
- No explanation of alternatives, or criticism of every previous dentist without explanation
- No X-ray or examination before complex treatment
- Prices that change significantly once treatment has started
- Promises of guaranteed or “perfect” results
Visiting Ajam Dental Clinic in Tripoli
Ajam Dental Clinic is on Fouad Chehab Boulevard, Al-Makateb Building, 1st floor, Tripoli. Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam holds an MSc in Aesthetic and Prosthetic Dentistry; Dr. Soumaya Ajam holds university diplomas in Paediatric Dentistry and Oral Pathology from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth; root canal treatment is carried out by a visiting specialist endodontist. We are happy to answer every question on this list at your first visit. See our treatments and preventive care, read about the clinic and contact us by WhatsApp or phone.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a dentist based on price?
Price matters, but it should be compared for the same treatment, the same materials and the same steps. A lower quote may exclude X-rays, temporary teeth or follow-up, or use different materials. Ask for a clear breakdown and compare like with like, together with the explanations and options you receive.
Is it normal to ask a dentist about their qualifications?
Yes. Asking who will perform your treatment and what training they have in that area is entirely reasonable, especially for implants, prosthetic or cosmetic work and children's care. Professional clinics are used to this question and answer it openly.
How can I tell whether a clinic is hygienic?
Look at the general cleanliness, whether instruments come in sealed sterilisation pouches, whether gloves are changed between patients and whether surfaces are cleaned between appointments. You can also ask how instruments are sterilised. A clear, confident answer is a good sign.
Is it a good idea to get a second opinion?
For large, expensive or irreversible treatment, a second opinion is sensible and common. A good dentist will not be offended. Bring your X-rays and the proposed plan so the second dentist can compare. For urgent problems such as swelling or severe pain, get treated first.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring a list of your medicines and medical conditions, any recent dental X-rays, previous treatment plans, and the questions you want to ask. If you have dental insurance or a budget limit, mention it at the start so the plan can take it into account.
Have a question about your teeth?
Send a WhatsApp message to Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam or Dr. Soumaya Ajam, or call the clinic to book a consultation.
This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.
