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I've tried 6 dentists recently, 2 were local; 2 were referred by people I knew; 2 were referred by health-care professionals who were trustworthy and gave me tr
by 8ren 16y ago
I've tried 6 dentists recently, 2 were local; 2 were referred by people I knew; 2 were referred by health-care professionals who were trustworthy and gave me truly excellent results in their own field. I'm in Melbourne, Australia, and I have no reason to believe that our dentists are particularly bad.
All 6 were either dishonest or incompetent. Including: preventing my front teeth from meeting; modifying opposing teeth for a fit; key equipment not working; charging me for work not done (I was informed that they'd checked the invoice too); going back on an agreement (to give me the xrays); going ahead with work without asking me (I found it impossible to get out of the chair to stop him); and of course being overcharged (my accountant remarked on it.)
However, all 6 were excellent at minimizing pain, and that seems to be what most people notice. I'm more concerned about getting my teeth fixed.
The 2 previous to these 6 were not very good. I would have thought 6 more would be enough to find a good one. I have given up on the dental profession as institutionally corrupt. I do not believe there is even any facility to complain about them, as that would also be run by dentists.
Because it's difficult for a layman to check a professional's work, especially when that work is also difficult to inspect, I used secondary signals in the above. However, I also bought a small mirror, and a direct inspection also revealed a misplaced shallow drill hole (with no filling). I remember years ago one of the previous dentists had slipped, but I didn't think it had actually resulted in any drilling. None of the dentists mentioned this very obvious rogue drill hole.
I think most people are happy to get out of there, and if any pain stops. I just wish I could DIY my own dental work.
Can anyone suggest how I can find a competent dentist?
- timcederman 16y agoWhere in Australia are you? If in Brisbane I can recommend several excellent dentists. For people in the US, Yelp is a good starting point, but it helps to try a dentist once or twice as a trial (rather than going for major work without knowing what they're like).
- 8ren 16y agoThanks, but unfortunately I'm in Melbourne (edited to add it). Yeah, I've been doing the trial thing also. Maybe I should keep trying, but some were charging $100-200 for just inspecting.