Part 18: All Dentists are the Same - Right?

Now, for a word from the sponsor - me.  The short answer is NO.  Just like everybody else on this planet, we're all different.  All licensed dentists went to dental school and passed National Boards, then passed board exams for the state in which they practice.  That's where the similarity ends.

After those basic requirements, we are free to practice as we please and only have recently been required to attend minimal continuing education requirements.  There is no mechanism to test proficiency or updated practices after receiving our state license. There in lies the rub.  How does the public know who's who?

There are clues you can get by inquiry.  Is the dentist a member of organized dentistry -  the ADA?  If so, he or she has ageed to conduct their practice by Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct that are designed to protect the public.  Their local componet has an available Peer Review Committee to resolve complaints -  even with insurance companies.  The ADA's charge is to protect the public welfare and to police it's membership for unethical practices. Learn more here.

Is the dentist a member of any other dental organizations?  Like the Academy of General Dentistry AGD which has strict continuing education requirements and awards Fellowship and Mastership status.  The American Academy of  Cosmetic Dentistry AACD which is devoted to advances in cosmetic dental treatment and also has requirements for Fellowship status.  There are also dental organizations that require nomination for membership.  The American College of Dentists ACD, the International College of Dentists ICD, and the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration AADPA are some examples.  Membership in dental organizations shows the area of interest the dentist has - if any.

What is the dentist's "reputation"?  What is his/her standing in the community?  Do they volunteer to make my community better?  How long have they been in practice here?  Does he/she own their practice or work for an "out of town corporation"?  Has there been a high turnover of dentists or staff in that office?  Do I know anybody who has had a good experience in that office?  Have any complaints or judgements been filed with the State Department of Professional Regulations.

Once you've narrowed the search, then some additional questions need answering.  Do they have convient hours?  Are they conviently located?  Do they see children?  What  financial arrangements are available if needed?  Is the office clean and friendly?  How do the staff members get along?  Am I treated as an individual or pushed through some system because of my insurance coverage?  Is quality or managed care the guiding force in treatment recommendations?

It is our commitment to you, our patients, that we will meet your criteria for an outstanding Dentist, Staff and Office!