how does one find a good doctor / dentist?

[108suited]

I had an idea to create an online service that would help others in this area. I'm not going to do it since I'm working on other stuff, so does anybody know of any good tips to find a good physician / dentist.

I am leery of the doctor / dentist I have now and would like to find out how good they are, or who is good and who isn't good.
Thanks

[Jules22]

ask a friend or coworker. these advice threads are getting kind of tiresome.

[ThaSaltCracka]

The yellowpages.

[Blarg]

Best way is to ask a friend what they think about their dentist. Quiz them about as much as you can think of, because that's important. Like, I've had some friends recommend dentists to me who don't use gas, and I'm too chicken not to use the nitrous. If he doesn't have gas, I'm not going. Ask if they have weekend or evening hours, if it's always the same dentist or if they just shove you at whoever's free in the office at the time, etc.

[James Boston]

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how does one find a good doctor

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Through recommendations

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how does one find a good dentist

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Arbitrary

[Blarg]

No way is a dentist arbitrary. Recommendations. Taking any old dentist is not good. Some are much better than others, and most people are less than indifferent about how much a guy uses his elbows when he's poking inside their mucous membranes with drills, needles, and pointing things.

[108suited]

Well, I am even more convinced now that a service is needed to help people in deciding on a good doctor or dentist to choose. An online site could be a great resource and this could potentially be a very profitable idea for someone. I'm puzzled why no has done this yet.

Someone please steal this idea and implement it! I don't have the time.

[108suited]

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how does one find a good doctor

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"Through recommendations"

From who? I don't know anyone who would be qualified to give a recomendation

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how does one find a good dentist

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"Arbitrary "

That's what I thought

[108suited]

"ask a friend or coworker. these advice threads are getting kind of tiresome."

Seems pretty pointless unless I have hardcore proof to support that the dentist or doctor is a good or bad. Unless the friend or coworker has inside info.

I bettter do some more research.

[jakethebake]

People that have health plans get a list of available doctors from the insurance company. There will usually be a few doctors in the area that fall under the plan. I usually just call up 5-6 of them and ask a few questions about their hours, what their philosophy is, etc to make sure we're on the same page. I also checked with the local medical board when i chose pediatricians.