Submitted by Edilia Glenski, DMD, FAGD, owner of Definitive Dental Care

There are many ways to treat a tooth and what a particular dentist recommends depends on their education, experience, opinion, viewpoint and philosophy – not to mention their diagnostic equipment.

If you saw one dentist who said you need work and another who said you don’t, you will be confused unless you know what to look for. Which one has more diagnostic equipment? Do they have a photo camera that takes pictures of your teeth that you can see on a computer monitor? How about a laser that finds hidden decay in teeth?

If you don’t trust your dentist, find one you do trust. If you don’t know whether the treatment being recommended is right for you ask questions, do research and get informed yourself.

If you are interested in a general dentist, check with the Academy of General Dentistry for members who have achieved advanced credentials. This website also has articles that are useful for patients to understand a number of different concepts in dentistry.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, check with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for accredited members. There are many dentists who advertise that they do cosmetic dentistry. They may or may not do a good job.

The time to choose is before the work is done. Evaluate the photos of work the doctor has done on others. How artistic is the doctor? How well does the doctor communicate to you? Is the dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry? Accreditation is a long and involved process, and dentists who have achieved this credential have proven their ability to do quality cosmetic work.

Your own research is your best ally in searching out a dentist. Learn what you can. Find an accredited and credentialed dentist. Ask your dentist questions and get answers. Make informed decisions. Any great dentist will appreciate you for it since any good relationship is based on mutual trust.

Glenski is owner of Definitive Dental Care in Palm Harbor, Fla. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 1980 and is one of only eight dentists in the state of Florida accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Glenski is also a professor of anatomy and physiology at St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, Fla.

As of Sept. 16, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.