She told me that her previous practice was operating at a loss so she doesn’t want to repeat that here. Then she said she’s going to become an out of network practice in six months so that she could charge more than what Delta Dental allows which means if I want to continue going there, it’ll cost me more. She wanted to give me a heads up since I’m a long time patient. Lastly, she’s going to focus more on the business end which means the other two dentists, both new, are going to be responsible for the dentistry. She was basically telling me to get everything done asap. Hard sell.

WOW!

I can't even imagine telling a patient that your previous practice was losing money.

I don't think I would even be wasting my time posting here about it, I'd just be spending time finding a new dentist.

Good luck!

She asked me what career field I retired from so young. I was in medical sales and that’s when she unloaded all that info.

Chris, Delta Dental is a dental insurance business right? You pay a monthly premium to get such a cheap fix? My guy replaced a filling and a crown last week, $2,200. Your recent bill seems quite reasonable compared. When my wife retired I lost my dental plan and now pay out of pocket, ouch.

Get the gas...it will make everything easier.:D

Ok sounds like I’m getting a deal, at least until she leaves Delta. I had that $1000 earmarked for my next toy though!

Funny nobody asks and questions their MD or surgeons for having Iphone Lexus/Porsche crypto accounts airplanes islands......

The main problem is not your health care provider.

The problem is Money Management companies AKA Insurance Company.

Health insurance through government regulations just pays more.

Dental insurance (not insurance ) is a discount coupon. It reimburses jack shiat.
In the 70s when dental insurance started the average benefits was 2000k. Today the national average is 1500K.

Isn't the mouth part of our body? Why is not part of your health insurance?

That's for another topic

My wife works in this field. She was an assistant for years and now works in the office dealing with insurance. I would say, get the work done. Thing wear out, especially if you grind.

Small and older dental practices in our area are getting bought up by larger multi office practices at a rapid clip. Similar to small medical practices. The technical issues of dealing with IT systems, insurance plans, etc. are a big driver. Many dentists have no idea how much money they make. My wife's dentist thought he was doing fine but was not really factoring in the debt he took on to finance new computers and equipment a while back. He'd have been done a few years ago. Dental is an expensive, technology heavy business. The technology evolves rapidly making equipment you bought 5 years ago obsolete.

Absolutely. The x-ray machine that took this shot spun around my head. Must be $50K minimum for the machine.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1674575813.jpg

When the fluorescent lights start flickering you know you are in the sweetspot.

I pay $50 for a refill of nitrous oxide for my Prelude...my dentist marks it up 200%
Why am I getting ripped off??

Can I bring my own?

Actually, I think they do. Well, these days no one does (or should) question anyone with an iPhone since there are kids and folks on welfare with nicer/newer iPhones than I've got.


I don't know about all of the other stuff that you posted that I snipped for brevity, but I believe you. I also think that there's an issue with the medical doctors and them being able to make big bucks these days. Someone is certainly getting rich, and I know that there are some docs (whether for teeth or the rest of the body) that are raking it in, but I think on the whole, there are plenty that I struggling. I've heard (here on the board and in the news) that there are lots of Drs shutting down practices, retiring, etc.... because they just can't make money any more.

That's a great point. It's as if the theory is that your mouth/teeth are not any more important than hair and fingernails. On top of the various issues with teeth, the associated mouth health is a big deal. Having infection in your head/face because of bad teeth can seriously adversely affect your health and reduce your lifespan.

The place that we go is like that. They have a huge beautiful office full of very high tech equipment. On top of all of the usual problem fixing, they also have a heavy focus on cosmetic stuff, whitening, straightening (invisalign), etc.... They seem to do a very good job in the work that they do. But I do have a nagging in the back of my head that they want to do more than is needed, especially when they start pushing whitening.

My last regular doc stopped his private practice, and went to work for a very large local corporation as the health care provider for the employees there. He get a regular salary, and has a staff of people to file the endless paperwork. He works regular hours, and is not on rotating 24 hour call like many doctors. He is loving getting a regular paycheck, and he is making more money for less work.

My former dentist was a guy I went to for over 40 years. He recently retired, sold the customer list, and sold the building and is done. I found a new dentist just a few blocks away from home. She is a much higher tech more modern office and equipment place. Prices are up, but still affordable. I track all my expenses, and I pay less by just paying the cost of dental care directly than the dental insurance plans. The only exception is getting an implant and gold crown, but those are rare fortunately. Still over the last several decades no dental insurance is money saved for me.

Which is probably very different for someone that is self-employed than someone that has subsidized benefits from an employer.

Sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle. I’d definitely suggest getting a second opinion, especially if you’re feeling unsure about all that work and the cost. It’s pretty common to seek a fresh perspective, and most dentists understand that. Just call around to a few places and see if they’ll do a consult; they should be able to help you figure it out.I had a similar situation when I switched dentists, and I ended up going to Dentist Anesthesiologist Mobile Services in Los Angeles. They took the time to explain what was going on with my teeth and didn’t pressure me into any big decisions. Insurance might cover some of the consult, but it’s best to check with your plan first.

Do Bots get tooth cavities also?

I got a second opinion. Had been going to same guy for several years, then one time the hygienist says dr is busy so I’ll do the check if that’s ok…weird. Next time she says dr is busy so dr Kronblatz (or somebody I’d never heard) of will check you. He says I have a crown with cavity under it, has to be cut off and fix cavity, redo crown…$1100. My wife had already switched to another dentist and convinced me to go to her for second opinion. She checked and did another X-ray (for free) and said, sorry I just don’t see a problem. Been going to her now for probably 7 years…still no problem.

Since my dentist retired three years ago I have seen three different dentists. The one I am going to in January is starting her own practice. I need two teeth extracted but 1) I need consensus on that and 2) I need to like the dentist.

Yes dentists can be likened to car repair places. They all dont have the same treatment and diagnosis and they all dont charge the same amount. Digital xrays can be sent from dentist to dentist on request. Yes I shop around and ask for quotes as well.


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Why not get a second opinion from another dentist?