Generally, I would agree that most dentists want their patients to have healthy teeth. In my dentists they seem relatively thorough and consistent in what they observe with my teeth as far as health and function. And they are pretty specific with preventative measures that don't make them money (recommendations on possible problem areas to make sure to focus on for flossing brushing) and some that do (mouth guard to prevent grinding).

HOWEVER, all of the dentists that I have had push cosmetic procedures really hard. Teeth whitening, alignment (cosmetic only), caps (cosmetic only).