I think the most important step when trying to avoid dentist scams is to just get as much information as you can. There is plenty of low-quality information around the web, but there are a few sites run by actual dentists that contain useful info related to dental care. The Smile Care Dental website is a good example of that.

It’s also a good idea to always talk to your dentist to confirm just how necessary a given treatment is, whether or not there are less invasive or preventive options available, and more. And of course, if you think your dentist is being too pushy about treatments that don’t make sense, it’s always a good idea to get a second or even third opinion.

Remember, dental work leads to more dental work. So avoiding unnecessary treatment today won’t just save you time and money now. It can prevent various other issues down the line.