How should you go about choosing a dentist?

I’m operating under the assumption that all dentists are not equal – that some are more skilled and more ethical. How do I go about choosing the best dentist? What I mean by skill should be obvious. What I mean by ethical is someone who will not tell the patient that he or she needs an unnecessary service / someone who will not overcharge for their services / etc. Do those dentists who charge less for their services possess less skill? If a practice has multiple dentists, are you able to request a specific one?