I should add that I live in Austin, Texas.

I am a layperson trying to select a general dentist.  Though it's a
good place to start, I would like to go beyond recommendations of
friends.  Specifically, I would like to pick a dentist that is
committed to quality care, and has a track record of positive outcomes
on work he/she has done.  The local dentist hygeine school and local
dental lab emphatically state that they don't make any sorts of
recommendations or referrals (I don't know anyone personally at either
of those places to get an informal recommendation).  So what about
memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Laser
Dentistry, American Dental Association, etc.?  Is the FAGD designation
(more CEs than required by the basic AGD membership)a good indicator
of quality dentistry?  Where else can I go to help me?  Thank you for
any suggestions you might have.