Anonymous wrote: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.
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.