ONE DENTIST’S OPINION

Choosing a health care provider is not always the easiest thing to do. There are many factors and sources to consider. When most people finally choose a health care provider, they will stay with that person unless there is some kind of personality conflict or philosophical discrepancy in the perceived need for treatment. Or, there is an insurance issue; we will discuss that in a different column.

It is not uncommon to get a second opinion or a second or third quote for things like car repairs and home improvements. When it comes to our health, it usually depends on the nature of the issue. More complex issues in medicine, such as a diagnosis of cancer, an unknown diagnosis, or other major medical issues in which we have to make decisions about significant treatment, tend to stimulate people to get more than one opinion. In dentistry, it seems that the incidence of second opinions is not as great.

Routine dental care is generally not that complicated. There are many different ways to do the simplest things in dentistry. The method is a function of the dentist’s beliefs and training. It is relatively uncommon for a patient to get a second opinion for this type of maintenance dental care. Although there is some subjectivity as to what different dentists might deem as “needing” to be done, patients usually base their decision on their perceived need. Often times, this perception of need comes from the dentist’s ability to communicate the reasons for treatment.

The patient’s trust in their provider is a big factor. If a patient trusts and genuinely likes their dentist, they may not necessarily do or want to do what the dentist wants them to, but they are comfortable enough to make the decision on treatment. It is when there is a lack of trust for one reason or another that patients tend to venture out for another opinion. This lack of trust usually stems from a personality conflict or the inability of the dentist to communicate with the patient effectively.

Even when there are more complex dental issues, it is my feeling that patients base the need for another opinion on the above. Another important factor is that the patient is given choices. Patients always have the right to choose what treatment they feel is right for themselves. If choices are given and the treatment is properly communicated to the patient, they have the ability to decide in which direction to proceed.

If a dentist properly presents the treatment and the patient decides to do nothing, it is the patient’s choice. It is when treatment is properly presented and this aligns with the patient’s perception of need or desire, that the patient moves forward with treatment.

Fees tend to be a less common reason for patients to seek another opinion. Fees for treatment can definitely vary. The problem with seeking treatment based on fees is that the same treatment in two different offices with different fees can also vary in the level of expertise and precision in which it is done. There are many factors.

A higher fee does not always mean a higher quality product. Fees are generally based on the time involved, the materials used, and the perceived expertise of the provider. Be cautious when seeking treatment based on fees. The fee for treatment should definitely be considered, but the entire treatment presentation should be used to determine your decision. It is always important to ask to see pictures of similar treatment that a particular provider has done and not just common stock photos.

I hope this helps.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at