Q: Is there any kind of “rating system” for dentists that would list the offices that are really keeping up with the times? Sort of like Consumer Reports, but for doctors. I want a doctor that has an up to date dental practice.
A: It would be cool if Consumer Reports magazine compared lawn mowers, microwaves, dentists and surgeons. Unfortunately, no real directory exists. Dental offices are small businesses that depend on the doctor/owner to invest and embrace the latest materials, techniques and equipment that modern dentistry has to offer. In this day and age, technology changes so quickly. The owner of a dental practice needs to invest quite a chunk of change to stay up with the latest hi-tech dental equipment and materials.“Several years ago I wrote a brochure entitled: “ The Hi-Tech Dental office checklist” for the Society of Technologically Advanced Dental Practices, a consumer awareness organization that I had been trying to establish. The publication helps the consumer to evaluate a dental practice. It lists twelve of the latest hi-tech dental items that, at least I feel should be found in a “modern” practice. Many of these items make dentistry safer, more comfortable and produce better results.