Is Your Dentist a Modern Dentist? Take this Quiz.
Last updated November 28th, 2009
I ran across this quiz somewhere (I forget where). The quiz lets you determine if your dentist is a modern dentist — or is still practicing Civil War-era dentistry.
Give a “zero” for each “no” answer and a “one” for each “yes” answer.
1. Does your dentist have a clean office?
2. Does he/she take at least 30 hours of continuing education per year?
3. Does he/she have modern equipment such as digital radiographs (xrays) and paperless charting (digital charts)?
4. Does your dentist discuss implants as an option to missing teeth?
5. Is he/she involved with a study group?
6. Does he/she use a periodontal probe to measure your gums to evaluate the health of your gum tissue?
7. Does he/she offer an oral cancer screening test using a light?
8. Does he/she offer sedation for procedures to reduce anxiety?
9. Does he/she use ceramic restorations?
10. Does he/she use non-metal fillings?
Rate your Dentist
8 – 10 — Your Modern dentist is Jetson-like. Good job!
6 – 7 — Your dentist is Nemo-like and can definitely improve things.
0 – 5 — Your dentist is working in the Flinstone-era and needs serious help.
This article is a “must read” for the dental consumer
Many dentists are happy with mediocre ( “just get out of dental school”) while many others believe in continuous improvement.
Furthermore, beware of dentists who tout themselves as “cosmetic dentists”. Find out their training and credentials, see their photos, and even ask to chat with current client. Are they an active member of an educational organization like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?
In this day and age, it pays to do your research and get the best.
Who wants to “do it over” when it should done right the first time–saving you cost in time , money, pain/suffering, and health.
Thanks Dr. Flax for taking the time to respond. I agree completely with your comments and firmly believe a dental license only permits us to practice the basics.
In order to provide the best care for our patients and do modern dentistry, many hours and hours of continuing education and personal development is necessary throughout the year every year.
[...] the thinker and a consumer advocate, I was reminded of a quiz I had recently seen on Helaine Smith’s Blog about “Is Your Dentist A Modern [...]
[...] My colleague, Dr. Hugh Flax, recently posted a quiz on his blog. Titled, “Is your dentist ‘thoroughly modern’?” the post lists 20 questions you can ask about your dentist — and then score him or her based on the answers. (Dr. Flax based his quiz on a quiz I posted last month.) [...]