Which dentist would you choose?

I don’t mind driving, or taking many turns.
Going to a capable, friendly, and reasonable dentist would be my priority

Agree. Generally, you do not have to go to the dentist that, that often. I would go to the one I know and like.

I’d go to my old dentist for the reasons you mentioned. It’s not like you will making the drive several times a week unless you are undergoing some procedure like a crown prep and final fitting. I love my dentist for the same reasons, he is super nice, funny and we have a great rapport. I was just there a few days ago having an old amalgam filling replaced and we had so much fun bantering. He jokes about moonlighting as a janitor, and that being a dentist is just his day job. haha

I’m a big fan of jovial personality types and that is a deciding factor for me in many of my service interactions.

My choice would be the latter. I am not particularly fond of dentistry so when I find someone who makes me comfortable I stick with them.

Need you ask? It will be worth the long drive in the long run.

OK: I will go to the first dentist and make that long drive in ninety five degrees. I dread it. I hope it sends a message to the new dentist who thinks he rules the planet. Mr X-ray himself. Thank you so much!!!

The average recent grad from dental school is 250K in debt.
https://www.asdanet.org/index/get-involved/advocate/issues-and-legislative-priorities/Dental-Student-Debt
They have to make the money one way or the other.
Plus, in any clinical field, experience matters. When I eventually have my knees replaced, I want the veteran, not the rookie.

To me no factor involving the choice of a dentist, plumber, mechanic, etc. should precede skills at the trade. Which of the 2 do you trust to “perform” better inside your mouth?

If your car doesn’t have AC, maybe consider switching up your (probably) not-very-frequent visits to cooler seasons.

Dentist 2. I have often driven far for a good dentist, and I’m currently sticking with one who is much father than yours.

As for the drive, see if there’s anything else you’d like to do in that direction, so when you go to the dentist, you can do the other things that involve going that way, too.

I think the answer’s simple. Dentist #1 might be more conveniently located, but he lacks experience, has tremendous overhead (i.e. likely higher fees), and has an annoying demeanor. Dentist #2 means a longer drive, but you like and trust him.

I would most certainly drive the extra 17 miles for good things.

My car has great air conditioning. It’s just a heck of a long drive and he has three people in three exam rooms at once. He used to have two ; I guess it was so lucrative he increased to three. So he puts me in one and brings in an older lady to chat with while I wait. And I can have nitrous oxide while I wait if I want. It made me even more nervous last time. Then he comes into the room like he’s in the middle of a disco and makes me laugh. He almost twirled in. lol. He’s very handsome too. lol.

@Aster No contest then!

The one I like.

To me it might be more important to have your medical doctor close by.

^^^^^^^. At any time for a dental emergency I can always call the dentist that is 2 miles up the road regardless if I’m seeing him on a regular basis or not.

@Dutchess_III I wanted to add that our medical doctor is 3 miles up the road, no stop signs.

My dentist is about 15 miles away. So is my doc. But I am more comfortable with both of them than with anyone we have in town.
My doc used to be just a few blocks up the road. Then I dumped him.