Methodology
THE AMERICA‘S BEST DENTISTS 2022
ranking awards the leading
200 dentists in the U.S. Dentists from the 20 states with the most residents were included in the survey.
During the survey period from February to May 2022, over 10,000 medical experts (general dentists, specialist dentists and dental hygienists) were invited to an online survey. Over 4,000 national votes were collected and analyzed.
A total score was calculated for each dentist based on the number of recommendations, a quality score, and—if available—membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
In-state recommendations were weighted higher than outof-state recommendations. Most of the awarded dentists work primarily in an outpatient practice where patients can schedule direct appointments with them.
Scoring Model RECOMMENDATION SCORE In-state recommendations (45 percent of total score)
Participants were asked to name at least 10 and up to 25 general dentists. The order in which recommendations were provided was relevant to the ranking; a participant’s number one choice got the greatest weighting. Self-recommendations were not allowed and led to disqualification from the survey. Out-of-state recommendations (25 percent of total score) Participants were asked to name up to 15 dentists. Recommendations were for all 20 eligible states. Recommendations constitute 70% of the overall score. Dentists with a recommendation score of 65% or higher were eligible for the list.
QUALITY SCORE (25 percent of total score)
For each in-state recommendation, survey participants were asked to rank dentists on a scale from 1 (poor) to 100 (excellent) in five areas: 1. Quality of dental procedures (30%) 2. Continuity of care (20%) 3. Patient education (17.5%) 4. Aesthetic procedures (17.5%) 5. Technical equipment (15%)
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY (AACD) SCORE (5 percent of total score)
The rankings are comprised exclusively of dentists that are eligible under the scope described here. A mention in the ranking is a positive recognition based on peer recommendations. The ranking is the result of an elaborate process which, due to the interval of data-collection and analysis, is a reflection of the last 12 months only. Furthermore, events following May 11, 2022, were not considered in the metrics. The results of this ranking should not be used as the sole source of information for future deliberations. The information provided in this ranking should be considered in conjunction with other available information about dentists or, if possible, accompanied by a visit to the clinic. The quality of dentists that are not included in the rankings is not disputed.