Selecting a Car or Selecting a Dentist

I am always amazed to see the process that folks experience when selecting a car. I always buy the same car so this really doesn't apply to someone like me who doesn't really like change especially when I really like what I already have. For many others, they buy Consumer Reports, look at car magazines and travel between 3 or 4 car dealerships trying to find the right car at the right price and after a certain time period, they sit down and make a decision about which car they want to drive.

When it comes to dentists, many folks consult with a dentist and then decide to either accept or reject the recommendations that the dentist is proposing. When you ask people why they selected a particular dentist, their answer might be, "I thought that he sounded like he knew what he was doing."

You THOUGHT that he sounded like he knew what he was doing???????

After about 10 years or so, most dentists have developed sufficient skills to adequately talk to patients about what treatment is required even if their clinical skills are not that great.

I would suggest that patients follow the same protocol that they use when they are thinking about buying a car. Visit many dental offices, look at their books displaying the work that they have done and ask the dentist why you should select him or her to do your treatment.

(Hint: If a dentist participates with your insurance company, that is usually an indication that are NOT at the top of their game. That is NOT to say that you should not select them as your dentist but at least you will know in advance what level of dentistry you are buying.)