Is there really a way to select a good dentists?

Question

Besides word of mouth referrals? An independent agency or group that lists and ranks local dentists? I travel all the time for work and don't know anyone locally most of the time.

Answer 1

The answer to this question lies in defining what is a good dentist, in your eyes.

The fact of the matter is that many people haven't developed criteria to evaluate whether their dentist is 'good' or not. Therefore, to many people, a 'good' dentist is one that is near their home/office and takes their insurance/Medicaid/is simply the cheapest in the area.

So what is a good dentist to you? Is it one on top of the latest emerging technology, making sure you have the fastest, most comfortable treatments possible (and yes, there have been some amazing innovations in dentistry in the past decade or so). Is it the artist who can look at your facial structure and craft the perfect-looking smile that will see you smiling brightly with confidence? Is it the one whose tender and gentle nature makes your kids feel at ease? Or does your 'good dentist' not even see kids? Is it the one who offers sedation options because of your extreme apprehension in being in a dental office in the first place?

People who make dental decisions consider all of these things, and they attach different levels of importance to each. It is difficult to 'rank' a dentist like a restaurant. With a restaurant, you can send the same critic to 50 different restaurants in a couple of months and get an objective comparison on criteria like service, atmosphere, and taste of food. You cannot send the same person to 50 different dentists for the same evaluation.

Most of the time, you can check out the standing of a dentist's license through the state board. However, most people with offices that are practicing dentistry are licensed dentists, so while this may give you some assurance, it isn't much of a differentiator.

There is also a website called www.doctoroogle.com, which attempts to get people to share candid opinions about their dentist.

Best of luck in your search.

Answer 2

Are you in the U.S.?