When I graduated and got dental insurance, I immediately googled for "laser dentistry" in my area (having heard about it from my girlfriend). I chose the dentist with the highest ratings (well, one of the only dentists with any ratings at all).
Interesting fact: in 5 years, I apparently accumulated 5 cavities, none of them very serious. I got all 5 filled in under an hour, with no anesthetic whatsoever. Then, when I went for my checkup 6 months later, I had 2 new cavities. (Btw, if anyone is wondering, there is a low-power laser that reflects off your tooth enamel based on tooth density to determine which teeth need attention, and then there is a different high-power laser that actually gets rid of the decay).
Being my usual skeptic self, I started wondering if dentists didn't embellish reality a bit (or even create cavities while they're in there... ok, even I'm not that cynical, but I'd be lying if I said the thought didn't occur). Then again, my dietary and health habits probably did change considerably that first year after graduation.
In the end, I trust this particular dentist for a couple reasons.
1. He readily explains every step of every procedure he's doing, including how the tools work and why they work, even edge cases in which they wouldn't work. And he does so with enjoyment, like it's pleasant for him to have a patient interested in what he does. This appeals to the engineer in me.
2. He has said things to me like, "Well let's wait and see on that tooth. There's no reason we need to do anything to it just yet, it doesn't seem to be getting any worse." Also, when doing the laser fillings, he's asked, "Do you want anesthetic?" I responded, "do you think I need it?" And his answer: "Well, we can start without it, and then do it if things get too painful. No reason to numb you up and mess up your day if not necessary." Realizing that he'd get more money from me and my insurance if he used anesthetic, this alignment of interests was refreshing.
3. Given that every procedure I've had with him has been without anesthetic, I can say with certainty that he is extremely attentive to any pain I may have. He notices immediately if I wince at all, and makes adjustments accordingly, like turning down the power of the laser.
At the end of the day, I pay him for peace of mind, and he delivers.