What is a good dentist? How do you find one? Answering these questions will enable you to get the best dental treatment possible. It will also protect you from dishonest or unlicensed practitioners and quacks that often prey on unsuspecting consumers.

To help you in this matter, here are some tips from Dr. Alfred I. Winkler, a dental surgeon in New York City:

A good dentist will always investigate in detail not only the den­tal history of the patient but more importantly his or her general health. He or she will ask the patient to complete a form sheet regarding all past illnesses, current state of health, sensitivities, abnormalities, and learn whether the patient is a bleeder or allergic to certain medications such as penicillin.

He or she will also do the same with children, inquiring from parents whether the child has had any signifi­cant ailments such as rheumatic fever, for instance, so that the young patient can be given antibiotics in ad­vance of treatment to prevent bacterial infection.

A good dentist will check the new patient's mouth carefully, noting the condition of the gums. He or she will look for lesions and ulcers in the mouth or on the neck, check each and every tooth, and examine the existing den­tal work for reevaluation.

He or she will take time to advise the patient on proper mouth hygiene, how to use a toothbrush correctly, what kind of brush to use, how to use water jet devices, and how to floss properly.

He or she will discuss with the patient fully what needs to be done in the mouth and give advise on alternate treatments - which procedures are better, which has the least risk, and which is least expensive.

He or she will never hesitate to consult another dentist or specialist if the patient thinks another opinion might be helpful. In this case, he or she will cheerfully submit the X-ray film of the patient's teeth to the consulting dentist.

He or she will ask for a reasonable fee commensurate with his or her skill and judgment, and the amount of work that is done.

A good dentist will regularly call patients for periodic examinations.

His or her attitude is always geared toward the practice of prevention more than restoration.(Next: More tips in finding a good dentist.)

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