As my friend Jerry has said there are some bad dentists out there just like in any occupation. We all have heard it and wish it didn't happen but, it does and so we have to be able to deal with it and most of us (I know 2 of us for certain) make sure we treat every patient as best and in the most caring manner possible.
D.D.S. = D.M.D but does not in any way indicate the competance and/or level of experience, knowledge or care you will recieve.
In my own opinion I believe there are many more competant Dentists in practice than incompetant.
Cheers,
Mike