Question:
Is there a sensible way to find a local dentist who practices (for lack of a
better term) state of the art dentistry (i.e. digital radiology, air
abrasion, advanced diagnostic equipment, laser whitening etc etc) in a
particular area? i am located in a suburb of nyc, but cannot find anyone
closeby who has such a practice.
Answer:
A skilled craftsman should be judged by his work, not by the tools
that he uses to accomplish it.
I think this response is misleading. Dentistry has evolved
substantially over the past 10 years. This means new techniques, and
new equipment. I used to go to a old dentist out of habbit (my parents
started me going there) for my whole life. Now since he retired, I was
forced to change, and I found a *much* better dentist. The new guy's
office blows my old dentist's one out of the water (the old guy never
redecorated or modernized in 25 years, no joke).
I felt like I moved out of a repressed communist prison camp, and found
out that cars started with a key, instead of a cranshaft, and that they
had air conditioning, radial tires and stereo systems.... and you could
order a sunroof if you wanted!
It is now my firm, unshakeable opinion that a dentist who does not
modernize and does not have the latest tools simply does not care as
much as the perfectionists out there who are obsessed with their craft.
Find the fanatic with the amazing office, who knows all the tricks, and
will steer you to the best course of treatment, not just the one
they've been comfortable with for the last 22 years!
I did a lot of research, and I'm glad I did. I drive 2 1/2 hours each
way to go to this guy, and it's worth it. All dentists go to
medschool, but not all are created equal, and not all modernize and
continue their education.
As amazing as my dentist is, he's still not satisfied. He's going to
these very esoteric classes to learn procedures that are very cutting
edge that only a handful of dentists know how to do. It's inspiring
for me to go to him... his passion, his excellence is captivating.
Indeed, "skilled" workmanship is the *key*. However one should desire and
diligently search out those dentist who are still aggressively participating
in continuing education programs--they are always
learning-learning-learning. Your priority for a state-of-the-art dental
practice should be (in my opinion) #3 on the list of importance.
