Just moved up here to PA and struggled with finding a new dentist.
(And it was very difficult --- several of my friends had
recommendations but I don't like their teeth so would not want to use
their dentist (both have veneers that I think look awful) --- in the
end, I chose a dentist with a CEREC machine who participates in a
dental plan that gives discounts. But I digress . . . choosing a
dentist is a discussion in itself as are the benefits or lack thereof
of "dental plans").

Tonight, I had my first visit for check up and cleaning.  Doc took
full x-rays since I had none and did the cleaning herself.  She
suggested a ViziLite exam for an extra $50 but I declined.  She did not
do a really thorough mouth exam but I have only had one dentist that
ever did (where he really ran his fingers around in my mouth).  Not
many surprises from the exam --- I have three huge fillings in rear
molars that I knew would need to be replaced with crowns and she
reported as much though she surprised me by suggesting that on two of
them she thought she might be able to go with a 3/4 CEREC onlay if
there was sufficient tooth thickness after removal of the old filling.
(Forgive me if I screw up the jargon, I'm not a dentist).  She said she
has had good luck with the onlays holding up.

The price differential is not much --- the CEREC onlays are not covered
by the discount plan and would cost $800 while the crown and prep would
cost about $700 after the plan discount.
She pulled her CEREC machine over and showed me some of the massive
onlays she has done with very little tooth left.  I was kidding her
about the cost of the CEREC and she said she's had hers for five years
so it's paid for --- she also seemed quite capable at using it though
it may be an older model.

This is getting a bit long so I will close simply by asking for your
thoughts --- I did schedule an appointment to do the one tooth that
appears to be in the greatest danger of breaking but it's a month away
so I have ample time to consider.  And I am in no discomfort so there
is no really no urgency at all --- except for the risk of breakage.

Thanks to all --- I occasionally visit this group and find it to be, by
and large, interesting and intelligent.