no kidding.

I expected dentists to act in a professional manner as well but mostly what I have found is the same thing as you. However, I disagree with the idea that 'they are not used to people questioning their craft'. I sincerely think they simply do not like to be questioned, are well taught even in school not to give too much information regarding the materials they use due to the fact that they themsleves know little about the materials they use. All they know is that Dentsply or some other company recommends it for this or that procedure, and truly little else, like an ill trained cheap car mechanic. They know next to nothing about chemical properties, reactions, or interactions. They know little about health and well being. Dentists are not taught these things and truly are unable to begin a discussion about it, and neither do they seem to care about anything more than getting paid. From my experience, dentists are one of the most poorly educated groups of professionals and that is why you will search high and low trying to find one to actually treat you in a respectful professional manner. They are not true professionals, they are tradesmen and businessmen, some better, some worse.

I have questioned the title of 'Dr' in front of their names for quite a while because they are not doctors in any sense of the word. They do not heal people, and again, know very little about biology and health. They drill teeth and they fill teeth, and that's about it. Some are good mechanics, some are not. Some use quality materials and some want to save twenty bucks (for themselves, not for you), though they'll all charge you more for their time than the very best real doctor in town. Most dentistry is a crime in my opinion.

Professional ethics does not appear to be on the curriculum at dental schools anywhere. A Dr friend of mine told me once 'you have to expect that type of behavior from dentists because for the most part they are the ones who didn't have the grades to get into medical school'.