I don’t want to find a good dentist. I want to find a great dentist. So I need to take a few moments to define that.

First a great dentist cares. He or she will care about their craft and their patients. They will take tons of continuing education and make the investment in materials required to stay current. They will be interested in every aspect of dentistry from the gums and bone that support the teeth to the shape and color of the finished restoration. Prevention and maintenance will be part of the repertoire as well.

I can find a good dentist who is on time, but I want one who spends the time to find out how I feel about my treatment and what I’d really like it look and feel. They ask questions that delve into my medical history so that I never have to worry about drug interactions or allergic reactions. They know if I need to pre-medicate for my visits and they know I like appointments first thing in the morning.

I don’t want to find a good dentist. I want a great dentist. They’re out there. Maybe they cost a little more but I’m talking about my health and I just don’t want to mess around.