Because of the need to keep your body healthy through proper dental treatment and care, there are many organizations that are a clearinghouse that rounds up phone numbers as well as background information about the dentists. Each service has their own criteria the dentist must meet before they can be accepted into the group.

1-800-DENTIST - This organization verifies that each dentist in their group has a current dental license in good stead. They require professional references as well as client references. There is a detailed application each dentist must fill out. They carry high standards and have checks and balances in place to be sure each dentist on their list continues in good standing. If something negative is brought to their attention, they will after investigating the claim, drop the dentist from their list. If the dentist wants to be listed with them, they do have to pay to be listed. However, if the check shows the dentist does not live up to the standards, the listing will be declined. The people on the other end of the phone that refer this number are pleasurable, informative and helpful. You just tell them all your fears regarding your trip to the dentist and they will recommend the correct clinic for you.

DDS4U - This is an online source of where to find a dentist nearest you. Categorized into the different specialty fields of dentistry you can quickly click on a dentist’s website and learn about the clinic and also get a contact number. They also have a section where you can search for the best dental insurance to fit your needs and your pocketbook. http://www.dds4u.com/

About Cosmetic Dentistry- on this website you can click on the state and find a cosmetic dentist, research about his license and practice, or even recommend a good cosmetic dentist that should be on the list- http://www.aboutcosmeticdentistry.com/dentists/

American Academy  of Pediatric Dentistry - you can contact this organization and see who they would recommend in your area for your child(ren).

http://www.aapd.org/finddentist 

American Dental Association- not a referral service, simply a keeper of the lists of all the dentists. Once you have read their disclaimer, they will allow you on their website to find dentists in your area.
http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp 
http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp

There is always the Yellow Pages, word-of-mouth; talk to your family and friends. Find someone that has had extensive work done on their mouth and ask them about their experiences with their dentist.

Good luck, and remember to….SMILE!