A good dentist is one that will take away this constant nagging pain I am presently feeling so that I will finally be able to rest.

I tried 1-800-dentist and could not afford,online reviews are for people with money around here and the cheap affordable help just does not exist for CT,/NY

It's not an area that you want to scrimp on - and in my opinion - not something you want to entrust with companies with vested interests in money and not your personal well-being, such as 1-800-DENTIST. You are your best advocate.

I generally have had to go to dental clinics for people with a limited income. Now I have insurance, but not good dental so it's not going to do me much good.

When I've had tooth pain I see a dentist and usually have to have the tooth pulled, can't afford and don't want a root canal, I'm opposed to having dead teeth in my mouth.

usually by word of mouth from friends

I use to drive 30-40 miles away for the dentist. They quit taking our insurance. I live in a small community in CA & i went to the town dentist. Been with her for 12 yrs now. I can call for a problem, chipped tooth, crown come out & they will get me right in. I can be there in 5 min. We all see her at the same time twice a year.

I have a problem tooth right now. I had a crown brake or come out on vacation. It doesnt hurt & we have appts next month so i figure ill just wait. I should call her but ive been sick with 1 thing or another all summer long.

I generally tend to stay away from a group of dentists sharing the same practice. I find it becomes a numbers game with who can generate the most income for the group. This is no guarantee that those in a single private practice are any better. My last dentist was a finger pointer, scolder, admonisher....he was a world class jerk! I asked a long time friend of mine who she used as her dentist since her teeth are in great shape. She recommended my current dentist who is fantastic. He is compassionate, very thorough, not overly expensive and will be my dentist for as long as he chooses to practice.

Having been in the dental field for 25 yrs. I came to know that a Periodontist is the best way I found to find a really good General Dentist. Reason being is this, a Periodontist gets to see all the general dentists work that come thorough his office. The general Dentists usually send out any Perio. work that is to involved to do in his office out to a Periodontist. When we see these patients we have to do a complete new pT.exam of their mouths and we see the quality of work these general DDs's. do.. A periodontist can recommend a good general DDS's to you if you are in their office just ask for a recommendation for a Gen. DDs. and they will be glad to recommend one to you..

For me, it a dentist that listens, really listens. When I tell them that I know my teeth are messed up (blunt force trauma) and their response is "you need to lay off the sweets", when then I know they are wasting my time. My dentist makes a point to check on his patients even when they are only there for a cleaning. And he does that with EVERY patient. That and we all love animals.
P.S. I found my dentist by accident he happened to be on my insurance company list and has a periodontist on staff, she's the best, too.

I have been a dental hygienist for 27 years. I have worked for some awesome dentists and some well...It is so helpful if you know someone in the dental profession that can steer you in the right direction. The local dental school may be of some help as well. Ask questions & have the dentist show you your xrays. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Some dentists are excellent at restoring teeth & others, well...Sometimes local orthodontists can be helpful too. They see lots of patients from area dental offices & see lots of dental work as well as a pano xray on all their patients.