Finding a dentist

[vass0922]

Ugh.. so I'm gonna bite the bullet and go back to the dentist.. well because I'm afraid if I did bite a bullet I may chip something

Anyways... anybody know of a good site or method to review dentists in an area?
My insurance allows me to search for them, but no customer feedback on them. I'd rather not go to the Steve Martin of Little Shop of Horrors type dentist

I'm in Northern VA around Fairfax. I googled around a bit but not coming up with anything more than movie reviews and teeth whitening customer feedback

[Theophylact]

vass0922, look in Washington Consumer Checkbook. It's a nonporofit organization that surveys people in the DC/Northern Virginia/Suburban Maryland area and compiles ratings. It's been around for over 20 years, and it's reliable. You'll find it at your local public library.

You can also search their website, but it'll cost you about $8-10 bucks for the report.

[vass0922]

IC! Interesting, thanks

http://1800dentist.com/

I used this 1-800-DENTIST service when I was in Los Angeles and I found a really great dentist. I was really pleased with the guy and I'm a pretty picky consumer.

Not sure about the US, but we have a voluntary accreditation service for dentists here. So only those dentists who are willing to undergo audit actually achieve accreditation of this type.

It's a good way to find out how serious they are about their practice. No accreditatation means they either failed or they couldn't be bothered.

I would prefer those who were willing to let someone audit their practice fix my teeth.

Not sure if there are any such accreditation processes in the US, but the dentists association would know.

Cheers
Mick

[thekingofpain]

I have a 20 year relationship with my dentist---I visit him 3 times a year and have no dental plan---costs me about 200$ a year for cleaning and xrays but I havnt had a problem in that time---regular maintenance is the key...

[xenon200]

Ask your friends!

I was referred to my current dentist through a friend, and I now find going to the dentist to be FUN... Compared to before, where I would fret for a week, NOT looking forward to going, at all.

~x2

[vass0922]

ah well, most people I know don't live in the same area.. most are in MD or farther towards DC.. I don't want a 30-40 min commute to the dentist lol

[xenon200]

You don't know anyone who lives in your area?!

[RedFury]

Well, trust me on this one....definetely find one quick. I hadn't been to the dentist since 93 and when I went back....4 deep cleaning sessions to get rid of all the buildup, not to mention finding I had periodontal disease ( from lack of maintenance! ).

Plus....I've had 2 fillings, one ended up becoming a dead tooth and needs a root canal ( or a good yank ). Instead of just getting my teeth cleaned regularily, I have spent way too much money on the dentist lately.