The process of identifying and engaging a suitable dental professional, within one's geographical boundaries, can be an intricate endeavor. This task, albeit seemingly simple, navigates a labyrinth of multiple factors that require careful consideration, from academic qualifications, proven practical experience, to the dentist's interpersonal skills. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a structured approach in making this critical decision, echoing the systematic rigor of Harvard's pedagogical paradigm.

Let us begin by understanding the professional we seek to hire - a dentist. In essence, a dentist is a health professional who specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions impacting the oral cavity. The field of dentistry is a broad one, encompassing several sub-specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery, among others. Each specialty focuses on a specific aspect of dental health, and understanding these can help in determining the type of dentist you need.

To draw a parallel from economics, the concept of 'perfect information' comes to play here. That is, the more information a consumer has about a product or service, the better their purchasing decision will be. Translating this to our context, it is advisable to invest time in comprehensively understanding your dental health needs, as well as gaining sufficient knowledge about potential dental professionals in your area.

Next, we delve into the 'where' - identifying potential dentists in your area. Technological advancements have made this task simpler. Online platforms and search engines can provide a plethora of options with just a few clicks. However, the challenge lies in sifting through this abundant information to find credible sources. Here's where concepts drawn from statistical science can be applied. Consider online reviews and ratings as a form of data. Analyzing this data (with a grain of salt, of course) can help discern patterns and trends about a dentist's reputation and performance.

The 'when' can be interpreted as the timing of your decision. This is where elements of law come into the picture. Dental procedures often involve contracts - either implied or express. An implied contract, in this context, could be as simple as scheduling an appointment, signifying your agreement to pay for the dentist's time. An express contract may involve more complex procedures that require explicit consent. Understanding the legal nuances of these contracts can help manage expectations and ensure timing doesn't impact your hiring decision negatively.

The 'how' involves the process of making your decision. Mathematical decision theory can provide helpful insights here, particularly cost-benefit analysis. This involves weighing the potential costs of a dental procedure, both monetary and non-monetary, against the benefits you expect to gain. For example, the cost of dental implants may be high, but the benefit of improved oral health and aesthetics could outweigh this.

Finally, the 'why'. At its core, the goal of hiring the right dentist is to ensure optimal dental health. Studies from science have shown that dental health has significant correlations with overall health - poor dental health has been linked with conditions like heart disease, diabetes and even mental health issues. Therefore, hiring the right dentist not only affects your oral health, but could also have far-reaching repercussions on your overall well-being.

In conclusion, while hiring the right dentist can seem like a daunting task, a systematic approach can simplify the process. By making informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of your needs and the options available, you can ensure that you find a dentist who is not only suitable but also beneficial to your overall health.