As per the first paragraph, 2 years.

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Dartos

I don't think that saying I have had mainly satisfactory results with
Myron's Dental Lab in Kansas City is going to be of much help.

If the dentist doesn't take a good impression, it won't matter what lab
is used.  I also still have to carve my own post-dams or the lab will
over extend the palate and the post-dam is almost non-existant. (gagging
and poor suction)

A correct bite relation is also the dentist's responsibility.

My solution to the denture problems in my office was to raise the fee.
That way I know I'm getting paid to put up with the difficulties
involved.  I also do not make 'cheap' dentures, nor do I have any
bait and switch gimmicks.

JME
Dartos

I think you have a lot of good points. As a patient trying to get
cheaper implants, like via dental school, I agree that finding a
reasonable and good dentist is almost impossible, even in a big city.
If you live in a smaller city, forget it.

There should be a web site where people can talk about their
experiences with dentists, good and bad.

However, it has been my observation that any kind of "review"
situation on the web always ends up attracting the people with the
worst experiences, not the best. The people who had great experiences
don't bother to write. The people with bad experience will look for a
place to express their anger/disappointment.

So I don't know that even a web site of Dentist Recommendations would
be any good.

In my opinion your ONLY real recourse is to find recommendations of
good dentists who make good dentures. It totally sympathize with you.
I am close to getting dentures myself, except that I am holding out
hope of getting implants one way or another - mostly with borrowed
money, and finding a dental school to do it.

I used to think dental schools were a bad idea, but I have been told
my a number of people that they can be a very good idea. After my
experience with several bad dentists in the private sector, I can't
imagine that it could be much worse risk at a dental school. At least
there they have someone overseeing the work. (supposedly)

I would say, try to find someone who has had successful dentures made
in your area, or the nearest big city to you. Maybe call the
professors at the nearest dental school near you and ask who makes
good dentures; or try to get a recommendation from the ADA - not a
paid recommendation, but a real one from someone who has had dentures
made and liked them. Ask your prospective dentist if you can call one
or two of his patients he made dentures for, if you can call and talk
to them about his work.

I think recommendations are the only way to insure getting good work
done. It can be frustrating, I  know, trying to find anyone to give
you a recommendation of a good dentist, especially for specific work.

I know how you feel and I think you are right not to just go to any
dentist and "hope for the best". Keep researching it and see what you
can come up with. Maybe a dental school might be a good idea? What do
the dentists here think of that idea?

Your  "5 most important things about dentures" - which I think is great -
brought to mind how tough it is to get  decent CE on denture fabrication.  

The manufacturer-sponsored courses are OK , I guess, in terms of telling you
how to implement their particular system (like Ivolcalr's ESP).   But they
are trying to sell materials and equipment and the focus is too biased and
limited.

The best info comes from seasoned denture providers with a passion for
excellence who talk about what works for them.  I'd think a course on what
you do and how you do it would raise the bar for any denture jockey.