by Tyson Smith
“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”
That was the central question posed to more than 1,500 dentists and specialists in the St. Louis area. Queried by the independent top dentists research group, they were asked to make their peer recommendations on the basis of years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and of course, physical results. The respondents were asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they were familiar with, while also being allowed to nominate other dentists they felt should be included.
Once the balloting was completed, the scores were compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varied depending on the average for all of the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases were given careful consideration by top dentists. Voting characteristics and comments were also taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) could have played a factor in the company’s decision. Once the decisions were finalized, the included dentists were checked with state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they had an active license and were in good standing with the board. The result? This second-annual list of top dentists in the St. Louis region.