How did you find the best oral surgeons in your area?

[SkyIsTheLimit]

How did you research the doctor?

[mikeg]

Although I did not have the surgery, I shopped around and asked specifcally for before and after photos. A good orthodontist that works with bite issues, usually has a surgeron or 2 that he sends all of his patients to.

In my case, I had several consultations with orthodontist until I felt comfortable with their experience.

If you have family members that have the same issues as you (which is common), find out which docs they went to if they did.

[Zoso]

I'd say Mike's advice is spot on. The good orthodontists who routinely work with surgical cases will know which oral surgeons they trust in the area for this type of very specialist work. (I am assuming you are speaking about orthognathic surgery rather than extractions) But if at all possible, follow up on that recommendation, by asking around about the doctor or doctors whom your ortho suggests - you could ask friends, family, colleagues, or any group of people with whonm you interact (church groups, hobby based groups - whatever applies to you). If all else fails, you could see if the recommended surgeons would be willing and able to provide patient references.

[Stephanie]

good call.. I have all seen local universities (med school's) that offer discounted rates.. I hear the waiting list is VERY long though.

[Zoso]

Generally speaking though, unless the university runs the hospital, the savings might not be that significant. For me, 80% or more of what was billed was due to the hospital.

I feel a bit guilty writing this, but I shall. I know that everyone has to learn their specialisation. But for anything of the complexity of orthognathic surgery, I don't think I would want any surgeon doing this work on me who had not already performed the same procedure many many times before. Now, it may be that in the teaching setting, the experienced surgeon is running the case, and the student only working in an assisting capacity - this was the scenario when my OMS used to accept other surgeons to train with him. But I'd be sure, were I you, that I understood exactly who would actually be performing my procedure.