there were several issues:

1. i had researched fluoride and realised that most dentists are spreading lies to their patients without having ever done even vaguely close enough due diligence research. for this and many other reasons i ended my blind faith in voices of alleged authority and chose to study the issue directly instead.
2. all the dentists i have ever had have admitted to getting a kick from surgery, they also get paid for finding more problems. since i have also researched corruption in the medical health(s)care systems, i had another reason to want to stay away from them.
3. The last time i went to a dentist until recently was to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed. it was a big one and it was tough to remove. unfortunately, the dentist put his whole body weight on my shoulder with his knee and pulled it out - which appears to have seriously damaged my jaw in some way. so again, i prefer to avoid dentists if possible.
4. I have learned that it is actually possible to live such that the PH level of the mouth and body prevents dental issues and I thought I had changed my diet enough to create that cellular environment. unfortunately though, it appears i was probably eating too much sugar and not using a good enough electric toothbrush.

i have always had issue with my teeth, whether i have gone to a dentist or not - so i basically chose to use them only responsively and not pro-actively. i think i will change my approach now though. I also intend to further improve my diet and exercise - but i have a very good dentist here now, so it is all less of a concern for me.