I'm shopping for a dentist. There's hundreds of them in the phone book. I have no insurance so cost will be a major factor in the choice. (keeping in mind that you get what you pay for). I'm not even sure which type of dentist I will need or if I'll need several types. How do you decide? It's difficult to compare prices because many of them won't quote rates over the phone. What other things should I consider in this decision?

So I guess what I'm looking for is some insight or advice on this.

Help.

Well, as you said you get what you pay for!!!

First of all, ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, who they see. And what they think of the quality of care and personal attention they recieve. That will give you a good start. Then if you want to investigate further, Call the offices and see what insurance they accept. Main thing here is do they accept ALL dental insurance, or just certain insurance companies that allow you to pick ANY dentist you want.

I know you said you don't have insurance...But as you said "you get what you pay for." If you are not looking for quality go where they accept ALL insurance. As these are probably DMO's (Dental Maintenance Organizations) just like HMO's. The docor gets your money wether or not you come and doesn't care if he has to re-do the same filling every year. If you go where they don't belong to any provider lists, where they only accept certain insurance. Your are more likely going to get better care. As these doctors have to actually work for your money, and if he does bad work that has to be re-done over and over, then he loses out financially, because he will not only lose you as a patient but word may get around about his bad dentistry, therefore losing other patients.

I hope this helps....Good Luck!