older vs younger dentists

[wclubin]

lkajsdf

 

[armorshell]

Do you think that as a dentist hits middle age and beyond that they begin to lose patients because patients may perfer to use someone younger? Is dentistry a young persons game?

Dear god no! I was talking to a dentist interviewing at my office today (just graduated) and she said she has lots of problems with people being like "Okay, and when is the dentist getting here?"

Same thing from my personal dentist, he's not too young but he looks it.

 

[SFPredent]

Most people actually prefer a dentist who has been established and successful longer. I am a dental assistant for two younger dentists (Pacific class of 2000) and we usually advertise without pictures of them so no one is automatically turned away. I also used to work for a Pacific grad from teh 70s. They are all fantastic, but attract different crowds. Younger people prefer younger dentists, but both older people prefer older dentists. The advantage of a younger dentist is that they are current with the latest technology and research, while an older dentist has done far more successful dental work. The best of both worlds is an older dentist who stays current with the latest research by continuing education and purchasing things like lasers, CEREC, digital Xrays, intraoral cameras, etc....

I guess the bottom line from my experience is older is generally more trusted in the field.

 

[dexadental]

Most people actually prefer a dentist who has been established and successful longer. I am a dental assistant for two younger dentists (Pacific class of 2000) and we usually advertise without pictures of them so no one is automatically turned away. I also used to work for a Pacific grad from teh 70s. They are all fantastic, but attract different crowds. Younger people prefer younger dentists, but both older people prefer older dentists. The advantage of a younger dentist is that they are current with the latest technology and research, while an older dentist has done far more successful dental work. The best of both worlds is an older dentist who stays current with the latest research by continuing education and purchasing things like lasers, CEREC, digital Xrays, intraoral cameras, etc....

I guess the bottom line from my experience is older is generally more trusted in the field.

Wouldn't pictures be inviting given the doctor is smiling or looks friendly? Or maybe just a lot of ugly people work at your practice... 🙂

 

[dentalguy]

Wouldn't pictures be inviting given the doctor is smiling or looks friendly? Or maybe just a lot of ugly people work at your practice... 🙂

Yes but at the same time a younger dentist may be better. My dentist said he talked with some dental consultants and in order to keep a practice going, you want a younger dentist in the office because as children start getting dental care parents want a dentist who will be with them for a while, not one who retires when their child is 10 or something like that

 

[titan305]

I'm gonna look plenty old when I get out.........

 

[pmoney]

Both have advantages like an earlier poster stated.

Older guys usually have that much more experience which is the most critical factor, while younger guys usually can be more active with getting patients, getting brownie points from GPs if they are specialists, etc.