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<p>People can ask pretty much anything they want here (within reason). But it’s up to the asker to discern whether or not to listen to advice being offered. There’s a lot of knowledge here in this forum.</p>
<p>I agree completely, @teriwtt, which is why I posted this thread.</p>
<p>@whuffy: I am not asking people for advice on dentistry. I am asking for input on whether a specific dentist might be incompetent. I see asking for dentistry advice as something like “do you think I should get a crown or an implant?” and I would not ask that question here (though I might ask what experiences others have had). I’m not going to encourage my daughter to sue this guy, or keep giving him additional chances, or take any other action, based solely on any responses I might read here.</p>
<p>CC is a great resource because, as teriwtt points out, there’s a wealth of knowledge. And that knowledge comes from a much wider spectrum of people than I know IRL. </p>
<p>Finding a good dentist is about the same thing as finding a good auto mechanic. If you have one who is good, stick with them unless they start trying to take advantage of you…if they start overcharging you for shoddy or unnecessary work, find someone else.</p>
<p>Too, I’d avoid going to a dentistry ‘chain’ operation operated by equity groups. Those kind of places are loaded with new dentists pushed to load patients up and put coin in investors’ pockets. Go into a chain dentist store and you’re likely to see a different dentist every visit because they are bounced around different branch shops the chain operates in market.</p>
<p>For those without dental insurance: Some dentists do have plans for uninsured patients. My dentist has one that costs a certain amount of money, includes 2 cleanings a year plus a discount in case work is needed. It is really a good deal. Fortunately, we have excellent dental insurance, but we will not have any once we retire … so it is good to know that we have an affordable insurance option when that point arrives (may I be lucky enough to retire before I kick the bucket!).</p>