January 2011 -
"You can take out a second mortage on your house..."
This was what the finance person at my dentist's office said to me when we went over the proposed treatment plan designed to stop-gap the deterioration of my teeth.
This was what the finance person at my dentist's office said to me when we went over the proposed treatment plan designed to stop-gap the deterioration of my teeth.
A second mortgage? Are you kidding me?
This is nothing but extortion in the guise of medical care.
I am not maligning the skill, only the astronomical fees for services, take out a second mortgage... sheesh.
And it would be nice if you knew how good your dentist was. If they were graduated from dental school at the top of their class you might think the work was worth more maybe. But your dentist might be one who was graduated from dental school on the bottom rung by the skin of their own teeth, but they still got the sheepskin and hung up their shingle. And now you're paying them for your dental care... really, really paying.
Is this even legal?
When I got the treatment estimate here in the USA I said to the staff person that I thought I might shop around for a better price. She replied, "That won't do you any good here, they all get together and decide what prices to charge." Isn't that price fixing? Is that legal? I'm just asking...
I am not maligning the skill, only the astronomical fees for services, take out a second mortgage... sheesh.
And it would be nice if you knew how good your dentist was. If they were graduated from dental school at the top of their class you might think the work was worth more maybe. But your dentist might be one who was graduated from dental school on the bottom rung by the skin of their own teeth, but they still got the sheepskin and hung up their shingle. And now you're paying them for your dental care... really, really paying.
Is this even legal?
When I got the treatment estimate here in the USA I said to the staff person that I thought I might shop around for a better price. She replied, "That won't do you any good here, they all get together and decide what prices to charge." Isn't that price fixing? Is that legal? I'm just asking...
See that expensive (insert here: sports car, lavish SUV, etc) in the parking lot? It don't think that belongs to the receptionist. You're paying for that car and the boat and all the other amenities that go along with the "Doctor" status here in the states. In other words, the dentist/doctor, etc works for YOU, not the other way around.
Everyone deserves to earn a good living if they can do it ethically and legally.
I just don't think that the costs charged for dental care in the USA are even close to fair.
The estimate I received for minimum treatment only for a few teeth and only to prevent them from getting worse was more than $8000. Or I could have them all pulled and get dentures for somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000.
I shuddered to think what it would cost to actually repair or replace the problem teeth so that I would be unlikely to need more work any time soon. Given the breakdown on my proposed treatment plan I believe it wold cost certainly more than $20,000. If I was hiring the Ed Hardy of dentistry, maybe... the local guys, NOT.
Implants, Crowns, Bridges... these are considered premium applications of dental art and are priced accordingly. (Hmmm...) They are not only sturdy and pretty well permanent but also beautiful, transforming in some cases. For me? I just want to be out of chronic pain.
I've never had pretty, white, straight teeth and I despaired of ever having a pretty smile considering the cost of even relieving pain and restoring function.
Everyone deserves to earn a good living if they can do it ethically and legally.
I just don't think that the costs charged for dental care in the USA are even close to fair.
The estimate I received for minimum treatment only for a few teeth and only to prevent them from getting worse was more than $8000. Or I could have them all pulled and get dentures for somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000.
I shuddered to think what it would cost to actually repair or replace the problem teeth so that I would be unlikely to need more work any time soon. Given the breakdown on my proposed treatment plan I believe it wold cost certainly more than $20,000. If I was hiring the Ed Hardy of dentistry, maybe... the local guys, NOT.
Implants, Crowns, Bridges... these are considered premium applications of dental art and are priced accordingly. (Hmmm...) They are not only sturdy and pretty well permanent but also beautiful, transforming in some cases. For me? I just want to be out of chronic pain.
I've never had pretty, white, straight teeth and I despaired of ever having a pretty smile considering the cost of even relieving pain and restoring function.
So I decided to pursue another course.... one that took me south of the US border....
I'll take you with me on this adventure toward a healthy mouth and you can decide for yourself if you want to continue to pay the money here or there.
¡Vamos! - Kyt
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