I could be wrong, but I don't think dentistry is as regulated as other medical professions. A year ago, I read an article questioning whether dentistry is even a science. Medical libraries are brimming full of scholarly articles and research on medical procedures, but there seems to be very little quality research done on dentistry.

According to the article, graduates of dental colleges often go straight into private practice and often solo and there seems to be little oversite of the profession compared to other medical specialties.

There are, according to the article, few double-blind studies done on the effectiveness of treatments.

Now if I recall, many dentistry professionals challenged that article and said it was not accurate or fair. So I don't know the merits and demerits of the claims made. But after reading it, I decided to seek second opinions before doing dental procedures. That, of course, is not an entirely satisfactory solution. Sadly, fraud exists in all professions.

I just located the article I read on the internet. It is called: "Is Dentistry a Science" The Atlantic Magazine. Author is Feris Jabr. I am not promoting the article since I don't know the truth value of the claims, but perhaps it would be an interesting read for those who might have had some bad experiences. If I find the responses of the dental establishment, I will cite those too in the interest of fair mindedness.