Do you think, on average, that Dentists charge too much for their services?

1. 74

   TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years ago

   Do you think, on average, that Dentists charge too much for their services?
   
   Dentists cite high overhead, college debt and insurance costs as excuses for charging what they do.  Yet, most people do not have insurance, and even when they do, it rarely covers important costs.  Dentists argue that people are paying for their services, not the cost of the materials they use, and justify sometimes charging $25,000 to $100,000 for certain dental procedures such as implants and whole ridge replacements.  What think you?

   replyreport
2. 72

   StephanPoeposted 9 years ago

   Well here in Portugal definitely yes, even with health insurance.
   (I'm having my tooth pulled off in a few weeks, pray for Poe)

   replyreport
3. 60

   teamrnposted 9 years ago

   Dental care is EXTREMELY expensive and the expense can only make one think of price-gouging. But, since I had to take out a loan to pay for recent dental work, I've done A LOT of thinking and looking. It isn't that dentists are cheap or live in the lap of luxury, want us to pay their school loans (Gad, this is one area I don't begrudge professional schooling.).
   
   They don't have plush offices, tons of staff. So what do I think is the problem? I think that dental insurance is seen by SOMEONE as supposed to be seond-rate and NOT supposed to cover much. We are the people and it is up to us to demand that it cover much more than the sleeze bag coverage with more disclaimers and loopholes, you need an attorney to file the claim.
   
   That's pretty poor if you ask me. Also, to require that you pay still premiums and then wait a year before you can file a claim. (or you can file that claim, but insurance won't pay on it!). THis needs to be advised t you that you can't make a claim for 6-mos to a year..
   
   No, dental care is incredibly expensive, but I don't fault the dentists for that. The equipment they use is expensive, the labs for bridges, braces, implants are expensive. That is someone else's SALARY that is being paid. Not a machine to drill! It is your mouth and so much of what you each is related to activity that goes on in your mouth as you chew properly.
   
   No, I won't go on record (or OFF THE RECORD) as saying that dentists price are guilty of price fixing. Oftentimes, the dentist own their practices. They have ALL THE RESPONSIBILITY.

   replyreport
   1. 74

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      To a certain extent I agree with you, but I also feel that many dentists are greedy.  There is no reason why someone should charge $25,000 for a bridge with implants when someone else is charging $10,000;...which I still think is too much!

      replyreport
   2. 60

      teamrnposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately there is a reason for charge discrepancy. One practitioner charges $25,000 and another practiioner charges $10, 000 for the same.
      
      However, INSURANCE pays only pays a 'usual and customary charge' (UCR) to vendors/providers.

      replyreport
   3. 74

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't see your point about insurance because many people have none.  Also, it does not take forever for dentists to pay off their tuition and start up costs.  The whole thing is lopsided.

      replyreport
4. 91

   Venkatachari Mposted 9 years ago

   I feel it is like that, and, for this reason only, I am avoiding a visit to them. My son tells me to get a checkup and the treatment for replacing my teeth. But, I am avoiding telling I am able to eat presently without difficulty.

   replyreport
   1. 74

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It is, but you do have to protect your health.  There is more to teeth than being able to eat!

      replyreport
   2. 60

      teamrnposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with TIME, digestion and absorption of nutrients are things we take for granted. After all, if food 'goes down,' we benefit,right?
      No. Not if not digested properly. much digestion takes place in the mouth as we chew. Poor teeth, poor chew.

      replyreport
   3. 74

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Eat soft foods if you must, or even baby food.   Or puree your food.  There are ways to help with this problem.

      replyreport
5. 81

   tillsontitanposted 9 years ago

   Of course there is overhead, no doubt, but couldn't lower prices serve both the dentist and the patient?  There must be a way to make dentistry more affordable.  If you have no insurance you're in a heck of a fix!

   replyreport
   1. 74

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Even if you do, it doesn't cover much of the big stuff.  Implants, for example.  You're right, though, something really needs to be done about this issue.

      replyreport
   2. 60

      teamrnposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think the problem is w/dental insurance. Waiting periods are excessive. Root canal coverage is ok; but putting the crown on, NOT. Restoration work of bridge isn't usually covered well. INSURANCE is problem.

      replyreport