Being in the dental field, I'm frequently asked, "Hey Tony, do you know a good
dentist?".
Not the hardest question to answer, as I work closely with some couple dozen of them. Some, for over a decade, or so. Some from out of state, while some are just within steps, next door to the lab.
As a technician of 23+ years, I shouldn't say this but, I'm almost sure that I have seen it all. From good dentists, to great caring ones. From "by the book" operators, to great artistans like one
Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Clito Ruiz y Picasso of Malaga, Spain.
And, if you think Pablo Picasso's full name is confusing enough, try picking out a dentist using the
Yellow Pages. I swear you would go blind, and may need to search for an eye doctor instead. As far as
1-800-DENTIST is concerned, I can't comment, as it is more or less, just another ad agency. Then there's
Dr. Oogle, a website where one could rate a dentist or, share their experience and leave a feedback of sorts, which could either be helpful, or maybe just plain biased.
So, I guess it's easy to understand, how it can get quite confusing when looking for a dentist that is right for you.
My advise is to talk to loved ones, friends and relatives. Ask, how do they like their dentist? Are they treated well? Are they comfortable? How long have they been their family dentist? Then, look carefully at their teeth. Can you pick out their caps a block away? Or, do they have beautiful bright smiles?
In accordance with Washington state law, all dentists are required to take at least 21 hours of continuing dental education every year, which means that they are constantly upgrading their technical skills. As well, dentists who are members of the Washington State Dental Association must practice ethically to maintain embership. Their professional conduct is governed by the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics, the WSDA Code of Ethics, the Washington Dental Practice Act, and all applicable federal or state criminal statutes. You may call the Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission office at (360) 236-4700 to find out if a formal complaint has been filed against any
dentist.I strongly add that the dentist be working closely with a good local dental laboratory, that extends the professional service of communication and custom color matching. You may want to think twice of those that send their dental laboratory work to China, as the materials used are not well regulated.
- Tony L.
