[AKA_Monet]

My father is a dentist... I ask him to recommend me to dentists in my area since my father is getting too old...

That is another thing about being in my Sorority, there are so many professionals that I can get referrals for that sort of thing...

When I lived in Texas, I worked at a teaching hospital and for a cardiologist. So finding M.D.'s was not hard at all... The insurance I had sucked though...

Now, I am part of an HMO which removes the guess work in choosing any kind of doctor... But I am rather use to it...

I would say that start off with getting a complete physical at a renowned clinic and hospital with some level of blood work for testing various age-related/genetic parameters--such as blood glucose, blood lipids, etc.

Make sure you are able to take that information and report to the doctor of your choosing.

If you have an old athletic injury, make sure you can see a physical therapist highly recommended by several physicians--board certified as orthapedic surgeons--for example...

As for a dentist, any clinic can do the standard bite-wings and apical X-rays along with a panoramic X-ray. If you do not have extensive problems and just need a cleaning, get that done by a dental hygenist. If you do have some major dental work that a general practicioner can do--then get that done, soon. If you need a referral to a specialist, then seek a board certified specialist, e.g. endodontist, orthodontist, etc...

If you want cosmetic stuff done, then it is best to get referrals from as many people as you possibly can--even the bad info is helpful. That way you can investigate the doctor or dentist and see the level of their work...

And ALWAYS get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion when you have any huge issues...

It is just good practice to have the basic level parameters set in a file then go from there...

And some fitness centers have physicians and dentists that assist in their efforts too... Especially, chiropractors...