FAQ

Where can I submit praise and suggestions for improvement?

Your opinion counts! We are very interested to know how you experienced your visit to our practice. All feedback is valuable: it enables us to improve our care and service. You can give feedback directly in the treatment room, but also at reception or by e-mail to zahn-med.ch@hin.ch.

Despite the efforts of our staff, it may happen that you are not satisfied with your treatment at our practice. Please speak to us about this! We are happy to talk to you and will endeavor to find a suitable solution for you.

Can I come to you without an appointment?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. We want to give all our patients the attention they need, which is why we take our time. When you make an appointment with us, you can rest assured that you will be looked after in peace and quiet.

What to do in an emergency?

In case of pain or after an accident, we are available for you during normal consultation hours.

Outside our opening hours, the dental emergency service for the city of Bern can be reached on 031 529 60 60.

What to do in the event of a dental accident?

In the event of head injuries with dizziness or severe bleeding: Call the emergency services immediately (Tel. 144)!

For injuries without these symptoms:

• During our opening hours: Contact us by telephone.
• Outside our opening hours: Please contact the dental emergency service for the city of Bern (Tel. 031 529 60 60).

What to do in the event of a dental accident

At what rate are the treatments charged?

We are a member of the Swiss Dental Association SSO and the SSO Bern section. As an SSO practice, we strictly apply the SSO tariff structure, which is standardized throughout Switzerland.

Our tax point value for private patients is 1.10. More important than this tax point value is the counselling and the provision of an individual solution for each patient. In doing so, we take into account the financial possibilities.

What payment options are available?

We prepare a cost estimate for treatments and discuss this with you.

If the treatment is not covered by (social) insurance, the bill can be paid in various ways:

• You can pay for your treatment directly at the practice using all credit and debit cards.
• Otherwise, you will receive an invoice with a payment slip by e-mail or post once your treatment has been completed.
• In exceptional cases, a treatment can be paid in several installments.

Why are x-rays taken?

X-rays allow us to see areas that are not visible to the eye. For example, between the molars, under fillings, under the gums and in the bone. We examine these areas for caries, cracks or inflammation, among other things. X-rays are also taken to monitor the development of the teeth.

The radiation exposure of an X-ray is minimal. There are no known complications or side effects associated with dental X-ray examinations.

What should I do if I am afraid of the dentist?

Let our dentist Mariëtte Weijers help you. She specializes in helping people with fears, even if they are extreme. She has helped many people to overcome their fear of dental treatment.

When you register, let us know that you have (minor or major) fears. We will then send you a special questionnaire. We will get to know each other at the first appointment. Here you can talk calmly about your fears and wishes.

Further information: Anxiety support

Does laughing gas or general anesthesia help with fear of dental treatment?

Some patients ask for treatment with nitrous oxide or under general anesthesia. This does take away the fear, but usually only for the moment of treatment. For anyone who wants to do something about their anxiety in the long term, treatment with the aim of reducing anxiety is always the first choice.

If I go to the dental hygienist, can I skip the check-up at the dentist?

During the check-up, the dentist examines not only the teeth but also the gums, the oral cavity with the mucosa and the jaw system for pathological changes.

Dentists have a long and comprehensive training in both dentistry and human medicine. This knowledge is the prerequisite for a good overall assessment of the oral situation in conjunction with the overall health status.

What is the difference between a prophylaxis assistant (PA) and a dental hygienist (DH)?

The difference in a nutshell: a prophylaxis assistant may only clean the teeth in the visible area and just below the gums. A dental hygienist, on the other hand, may also work deeper below the gums. A dental hygienist has completed a three-year full-time course of study at a higher technical college (HF). A prophylaxis assistant has completed a corresponding further training course from the Swiss Dental Association SSO.