No two dental practices are alike! Each takes on the characteristics of the practitioner who owns it. The personality of the owner is probably the key to how that office “feels” when you walk in the door. Some practices may feel “clinical and efficient”, while others feel somewhat more home spun and laid back. The dentist’s personality is reflected in his or her treatment preferences as well. The fact that different dentists will suggest different plans to treat your condition does not necessarily mean that one plan is better than another.
In my experience, all dentists will suggest what they feel to be the very best plan for any given patient. The differences between the treatment suggested by one dentist and that of another reflects that dentist’s preferences based on his or her experience. Thus, differing treatment plans do not necessarily reflect any deficiency in either dentist’s judgment.
It is important to remember that there are numerous ways to treat the same situation, and it is always important for the dentist to tailor the treatment plan for each patient’s specific circumstances. A major part of those circumstances may be financial, and since different treatment plans can vary a great deal in cost, it is helpful if the dentist takes the patient’s ability to pay into account.
Think of treatment plans like various models of cars offered by different dealers. All of the models are new, have warranties and will work well out of the lot. The higher end models however have some advantages not found in the less expensive models. Some options add years to the life of the car. Some add to the appearance and enjoyment of driving it.
Dental treatment plans are like that too. Saving a badly damaged tooth with a root canal and a crown will preserve it for a long time, but it is expensive, and the patient may opt for a much less expensive extraction instead. Replacing a missing tooth may be done with a more costly implant or fixed bridge (which remains in the mouth and is not removable), or a much less expensive removable partial denture. A dentist should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various options, and allow the patient to make the decision.
All dentists who have graduated from an accredited dental school should be technically competent to perform any procedure that they personally feel comfortable performing. But it is important to remember that each one is an individual, and no two dentists can perform exactly the same technical procedure in exactly the same way. As a matter of fact, no single dentist can perform exactly the same procedure exactly the same way twice in a row! How well your filling turns out depends as much on how wide you can open your mouth as it does on the technical qualifications and skills of the dentist himself or herself.
Over the years I have developed a respect for those who practice dentistry. By and large, these are honest people who have the best interest of their patients at heart.