How important is experience for an orthodontist?
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Anonymous
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Ds will need braces. I'm debating between two orthodontists.
One is very experienced, very busy. The other is the son of dh's coworker. He is a new grad, I think about two years ago. He is starting to build his business. He is less busy. Who would you choose? |
Anonymous
| Oh, I wanted to add that my sons teeth are not a complicated case. He has an overbite that needs correcting. |
Anonymous
| If you are getting a family discount, I'd start with the young guy. |
Anonymous
No family discount, only one kid. Do you think experience is really important. Price is the same. |
Anonymous
| I don't think experience is the end all be all. I work in the medical field and have come across many seasoned doctors who don't want to adapt new ways of doing things, even if they are better, because that's not what they are used to. |
Anonymous
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While I always go to more experienced dr's, I don't think a younger orthodontist is a big deal for an uncomplicated case. He's more likely to be enthusiastic and careful as he's trying to build a practice and doesn't want to get a bad rep; while with the older dr. you may be more of a "number" in that practice.
Look up how long an orthodontistry residency is. If he's been in practice for a bit and has a 2 yr residency under his belt (I'm guessing it's at least 2 -- general dentistry is 1), he does have experience with uncomplicated cases and it's not like he's only read out of textbooks; in fact they see patients in yrs 3-4 of dental school as well. |
Anonymous
| Everyone has to start somewhere. Not with my kid, though. Experience in this field is hugely important. |
Anonymous
| Experience is important. |
Anonymous
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OP here. he actually graduated orthodontics in 2008. graduated general dentistry in 2005. he opened his own practice about 2-3 years ago.
should I go with him or is he too inexperienced? |
Anonymous
I agree with this poster. It's not a one shot heart transplant or something like life-altering like that. My DH is a young, "inexperienced" physician (a few years out of residency) and he is SO careful and thoughtful with each and every patient he treats. Many of his older colleagues treat patients like a dime a dozen. As PP noted, new doctors are very likely to spend more time with you and your son, make sure the job is done right and you are satisfied, and be open to feedback. |
Anonymous
| PP is corrcet |
Anonymous
| Correct |
Anonymous
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He's already been practicing in his speciality for 6 years! He just opened his own practice -- which means he is probably pretty good. I'd go with that practice. Large ortho practices are like mills -- they push the patients through at incredible speeds.
I am sure that both are fine. I'd ask myself, "Which practice is usually on time for my appointments, which one has easy, free parking, and which one is more convenient for me?" You'll be there ALOT, so these aren't insignificant issues. To get the real answer on who is usually on time, ask the front desk and/or the dental assistant. They are the ones that take the abuse for being late. |
Anonymous
| I'd pick the one with smaller fingers. My orthodontist had fat fingers that made me want to gag, and he smelled like cigarettes. Have you had a consultation with both? Also, I'd make sure they are not just making the teeth look good, but also the jaw and teeth should function well together. As an adult, I may have to get braces again. Make sure he wears his retainer for the rest of his life otherwise his teeth may go back to the way they are. |