You may remember that the first part of this series was written back in May, and appropriately titled, “How to find a dentist“. In that post, I referenced the guidelines and recommendations for finding a dentist as recommended by the American Dental Association(ADA). That post focused on the signs you should be looking for prior to visiting a dentist. In this post, I’ll reference tips provided by the guys over at Quack Watch for evaluating your dentist – to ensure that you have found a good one.

Those of you who selected a dentist based solely on your proximity to them, or based on who sent you the prettiest postcard in the mail can especially benefit from this post.

Positive Signs

The following are signs that the dentist you chose is a good one. Please note that these are generalizations, no a litmus test for determining the quality of a particular dentist.

• They are prevention-oriented
• Chart their findings in detail
• Clearly outlines maintenance and recall schedule
• Takes their time – paying close attention to detail – as opposed to a Henry Ford-style assembly line approach
• Clearly outlines treatment options and risks and benefits associated with each

Negative Signs

The following are signs that you may want to find another dentist – or forever hold your peace.

• Distributes flashy or flamboyant advertising
• Routinely use risky intravenous sedation
• Sell vitamins or other dietary supplements
• Automatically recommend replacement of amalgam fillings or removal of teeth that have root canals
• “Specialize” in treating headaches, backaches, myofascial pain, or TMJ problems
• Practice “holistic” or “biological” dentistry
• Attempt to diagnose diseases other than those of the mouth, gums, teeth, and associated tissues

Additional Selection Criteria

The Consumers Research Council of America has listed a number of tips for choosing the right dentist. Their first recommendation is ensuring that your dentist is properly qualified to be practicing dentistry:

…Make sure your new family dentist has completed the necessary requirements to be a dentist. For instance, dentists must be state licensed and recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Also, their training must include three or more years of undergraduate school and an additional four years of dental training at a dental school.

These are the minimum requirements needed to obtain a dental degree. Make sure your dentist has completed these requirements, or begin looking elsewhere.

Ask Yourself These Questions

The Consumers Research Council of America has also assembled a series of questions to ask yourself after being treated by a dentist to judge their quality level.

• How does your bite feel?
• Is any of the dental work irritating your gum?
• Does the treated tooth look like a tooth?
• Does dental floss or your tongue catch on the tooth?
• Did the dentist take time to polish your fillings?
• Do you feel pain when drinking hot or cold liquids?
• Was any debris left in your mouth after treatment?
• Does the dentist use a water spray to cool your teeth while drilling?

Sources: Quack Watch

Your Thoughts

What are your measures for determining the quality of a dentist?

Related posts:

• How to Find a Dentist

• Delayed First Visit to Dentist Can Affect Children’s Lifelong Oral Health

• What Does Your Mouth Say About You?

• Top 5 Sites to Search for a Dentist

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