You should be able to ask the office of a prospective dentist for a list of their usual fees beforehand. Then you have to find one that will respect that you, as the patient, are in charge of your treatment. You have the right to decline any diagnostic or treatment procedure. If you go into a dentist's office with a mouth full of cavities but only want them to take care of one tooth, they should do that. Of course, they should also inform you of other problems that they notice and recommended treatment and the possible ramifications of not treating, but they can't force treatment on you. Certainly some dentists are more open to this approach than others, but don't feel like you are at the mercy of the guy behind the mask. Stand up for yourself and reserve the right to fire your dentist. (I know this doesn't really help you find a dentist, and it sounds like you have also fired a few dentists already, but good luck.)