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How does one find a good dentist?

post #1 of 19
7/8/09 at 1:41am
Thread Starter 
So I finally got dental insurance not too long ago after a long hiatus, and it seems like a good idea to go to a dentist.

I've tried asking around but can't get any suggestions.

How does one find a good dentist?
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post #2 of 19
7/8/09 at 1:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ms244 View Post
So I finally got dental insurance not too long ago after a long hiatus, and it seems like a good idea to go to a dentist.

I've tried asking around but can't get any suggestions.

How does one find a good dentist?

Ask more people.

Honestly, it's the only way.

(I'm a dentist, patient referrals are everything!)
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post #3 of 19
7/8/09 at 5:38am
www.yelp.com

find a highly rated one in your area, call if they take your insurance.
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post #4 of 19
7/8/09 at 6:23am
http://www.1800dentist.com/

In the past I've gone by referrals, by proximity to home/office, and by specialty - not long ago I was told by my regular dentist that I needed a crown and went to a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion, thinking that a cosmetic guy would have more skill in matching up color, fit, etc. Ended up having him do the work because I was impressed with him and he was closer.

PSA: if you ever have a cavity don't get an amalgram (silver) filling. I had a pretty good sized, very old silver one in a molar and was told that over time it had expanded, which combined with bite pressure had caused fractures in the tooth which is why I needed the crown. Not cheap, even with insurance.
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post #5 of 19
7/8/09 at 6:40am
Don't skip cleanings and checkups even if you don't have insurance; they aren't that expensive.
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post #6 of 19
7/8/09 at 2:23pm
Approach hot women, tell them they have a great smile and you're looking for a good dentist. Do they have a recommendation? You're on your own from there.
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post #7 of 19
7/8/09 at 2:33pm
go to that dentist who tells you if you dont brush your teeth more you will make him a rich man ..
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post #8 of 19
7/8/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Notreknip View Post
Ask more people.

Honestly, it's the only way.

(I'm a dentist, patient referrals are everything!)

+1. Word of mouth is everything.
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post #9 of 19
7/8/09 at 4:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by thinman View Post
Approach hot women, tell them they have a great smile and you're looking for a good dentist. Do they have a recommendation? You're on your own from there.
I did just that a couple of months ago. My old dentist died and nobody in my area takes our crappy dental insurance so I decided I would just pay out of pocket. Got a recommendation from my hot personal trainer friend with a perfect...smile. I showed up and it was a "spa" type office, clearly geared toward women, foofy as all hell. Feng shui decor, optional facial treatments, etc. I had never had my teeth cleaned in a massaging chair before; that was cool. The hot chick at the front desk was probably laughing at me for being there. I think the dentist was gay, although when I told him who recommended me he kept repeating himself about how gorgeous she is. So, depending on your desired outcome this may or may not be good advice.
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post #10 of 19
7/8/09 at 4:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taxler View Post
Don't skip cleanings and checkups even if you don't have insurance; they aren't that expensive.

the work you'll need to have done from not brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular cleanings will FAR exceed what the regular check ups and cleanings cost.
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post #11 of 19
7/8/09 at 7:16pm
1-800-DENTIST

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post #12 of 19
7/8/09 at 7:37pm
First off, I'd check your insurance's website for a list of dentists in your area. You can use out of network dentists as well, but it'll cost you more out of pocket. Then I'd use Yelp to read up on reviews for the dentists you find. 1-800-DENTISTS is a paid advertising site, so I would say their recommendations are no better or worse than a dentist who advertises in the yellow pages.
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post #13 of 19
7/8/09 at 8:09pm
My dentist primarly serves business executives, and I learned about him from my father who was recommended to him by a business associate.

He's got a great new office, never ever keeps you waiting more then 10 minutes, has a camera he can stick in your mouth so you can see your teeth/takes pictures of them, etc.
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post #14 of 19
7/11/09 at 12:02pm
Checking your insurance list of dentists is your best bet other than referals locally word of mouth.
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post #15 of 19
7/15/09 at 1:13am
Hi,
This is what I do for a living so here is what I say to anyone who is starting from scratch. Pick one or two gum specialists (periodontists) and ask them for a good dentist. Bad dentists NEVER refer anything out...they don't want anyone else evaluating their work. Periodontists see their patients (often) for years so they see the care that is being provided over time and how well new restorations are being done. The problem with advertising lists, websites, or prefered provider lists is simply that the practitioner is accepting a discount to be listed, or paying a marketer for advertising (here is the best case I've ever done, or worse, someone else has done that I'm not crediting). A referral from within the profession is the best recommendation that I can think of. I hope this helps you and best of luck in any case.
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