Brouhaha at the dentist this morning over xrays (1 Viewer)

[Willie Neslon]

Willie, just go with the flow. Life is usually much easier that way.

You mean just get the x-rays? 20 is just nuts. They have x-rays of my teeth there already. I take good care of them. 20 x-rays would have been excessive and unnecessary. I'm not a fan of cancer.

 

[shady inc]

i'm surprised the dentist didn't come consult you about this. instead of sending the teeth cleaner lady back and forth as a middle-woman, why not come explain to you the benefits and reasons for the 20 x-rays, as dentist did. Then you can have a discussion about it and go from there.

 

[Willie Neslon]

i'm surprised the dentist didn't come consult you about this. instead of sending the teeth cleaner lady back and forth as a middle-woman, why not come explain to you the benefits and reasons for the 20 x-rays, as dentist did. Then you can have a discussion about it and go from there.

Exactly. The guy wasn't even with a patient.

 

[Scoresman]

You should just go to Mexico for your dental work. That's where the really good dentists are.

And with all the beans they eat down there, you really get your money worth.

 

[Insein]

I had an appointment for a cleaning this morning. When I showed up they made me fill out a two page medical form because I hadn't been in for a while. I took time out of my day to go to the appointment, now I have to do it all over again at a new place. Can I use the steam coming out of my ears to clean my teeth?

It's funnier if you read the first 2 and last 2 sentences.

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

You should have let him take the X-rays, then sue him into submission when you get neck cancer.

Seems obvious

 

[Doug B]

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

When about did this change? Going into the dentist to get a quick cleaning was very common even up until a few years ago, wasn't it?

...

When I see stuff about "standards of care" changing to increase the price of, well, everything medical ... it makes me yearn all the more for single-payer healthcare.

 

[trogg78]

When you go for your head and neck cancer screening will you let them take X-rays?

 

[Willie Neslon]

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

When about did this change? Going into the dentist to get a quick cleaning was very common even up until a few years ago, wasn't it?

Right? Never had this issue before. Like going to the doctor for a sprained ankle and he insists on a full blood panel before he'll examine you.

 

[Willie Neslon]

When you go for your head and neck cancer screening will you let them take X-rays?

No such screening is required for cancers of the head and neck.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

A dentist is a lot closer to a hairdresser than a doctor, you are perfectly in your right to dictate to them what you do and do not want done to your teeth.

 

[fantasycurse42]

It'll be fun when you get the bill.

My insurance gives me two free cleanings per year. It will be interesting to see if they bill the insurance.

Pretty sure the cleanings are included in an overall wellness (check-up) apt. This should be covered.

 

[McGarnicle]

Willie, just go with the flow. Life is usually much easier that way.

You mean just get the x-rays? 20 is just nuts. They have x-rays of my teeth there already. I take good care of them. 20 x-rays would have been excessive and unnecessary. I'm not a fan of cancer.

You smoke tons of pot though, no way you're getting cancer.

 

[Doug B]

When about did this change? Going into the dentist to get a quick cleaning was very common even up until a few years ago, wasn't it?

Right? Never had this issue before. Like going to the doctor for a sprained ankle and he insists on a full blood panel before he'll examine you.

Maybe it's a state-by-state thing because tort laws are different ... but I'm about 99% sure I could go to my dentist tomorrow for a cleaning. If he could fit me in, I'd get it done with no issue.

I have had bitewings done during routine exams in recent years, but I thought that was a normal part of the exam (didn't go to a dentist from age 2 to 36).

 

[GroveDiesel]

Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs). The American Dental Association recommends that patients who are not having problems have dental x-rays performed every two years. Proper shielding is also common, which makes the potential risk even lower.

 

[Dentist]

Dentist, if insurance pays for one set of x-rays (for exams) per year, but the patient wants cleanings twice a year, you don't offer a "cleaning only" package?

Dental pays for x-rays 1x per year, 2 exams per year.

Only offer a cleaning only package for my people that have gum disease and see me 3-4x per year.

 

[Dentist]

A dentist is a lot closer to a hairdresser than a doctor, you are perfectly in your right to dictate to them what you do and do not want done to your teeth.

They in turn may dictate whether to see you under your terms or not, which the dentist in the original post did.

 

[Dentist]

Willie, just go with the flow. Life is usually much easier that way.

You mean just get the x-rays? 20 is just nuts. They have x-rays of my teeth there already. I take good care of them. 20 x-rays would have been excessive and unnecessary. I'm not a fan of cancer.

you're really obsessing over this "20" thing.

20 is the number of x-rays in a full mouth survey... it's very standard for dentists without panoramic units.

There is probably the same amount of radiation in the 20 x-rays as there is in my 5.

Admittedly this issue amongst many other benefits to the pano machine is why I bought it despite it's 75,000 price tag.

 

[Dentist]

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

When about did this change? Going into the dentist to get a quick cleaning was very common even up until a few years ago, wasn't it?

...

When I see stuff about "standards of care" changing to increase the price of, well, everything medical ... it makes me yearn all the more for single-payer healthcare.

Honestly x-rays as part of dental care have been a thing for a long time now.

Without x-rays I'm literally checking about 60% of your mouth and not even remotely looking at the other 40%.

With the advent of digital x-rays the amount of radiation is so low that I really don't understand the complaints anymore.

But if I don't take them... I'm leaving myself wide open for a lawsuit.

 

[Willie Neslon]

It'll be fun when you get the bill.

My insurance gives me two free cleanings per year. It will be interesting to see if they bill the insurance.

Pretty sure the cleanings are included in an overall wellness (check-up) apt. This should be covered.

It's for sure covered. They didn't perform the service so I'm curious if they bill it anyway. They probably will. Doesn't matter to me.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Willie, just go with the flow. Life is usually much easier that way.

You mean just get the x-rays? 20 is just nuts. They have x-rays of my teeth there already. I take good care of them. 20 x-rays would have been excessive and unnecessary. I'm not a fan of cancer.

you're really obsessing over this "20" thing.

20 is the number of x-rays in a full mouth survey... it's very standard for dentists without panoramic units.

There is probably the same amount of radiation in the 20 x-rays as there is in my 5.

Admittedly this issue amongst many other benefits to the pano machine is why I bought it despite it's 75,000 price tag.

I didn't ask for an exam, I asked for a cleaning. If a patient comes in for a cavity do you also insist on cleaning their teeth or else no filling?

 

[Dentist]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

 

[Willie Neslon]

Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs). The American Dental Association recommends that patients who are not having problems have dental x-rays performed every two years. Proper shielding is also common, which makes the potential risk even lower.

From Web MD

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to a number of measures that will minimize the risks associated with X-rays. However, even with the advancements in safety, the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.

 

[Sammy3469]

Went for a checkup, had the X-rays done, the dentist found severe absorption in a tooth. Periodontist saved the root, but if I hadn't had the X-ray the dentist would never have known and I would have had a more severe procedure.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Went for a checkup, had the X-rays done, the dentist found severe absorption in a tooth. Periodontist saved the root, but if I hadn't had the X-ray the dentist would never have known and I would have had a more severe procedure.

How many x-rays?

 

[Willie Neslon]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

 

[Dentist]

Willie, just go with the flow. Life is usually much easier that way.

You mean just get the x-rays? 20 is just nuts. They have x-rays of my teeth there already. I take good care of them. 20 x-rays would have been excessive and unnecessary. I'm not a fan of cancer.

you're really obsessing over this "20" thing.

20 is the number of x-rays in a full mouth survey... it's very standard for dentists without panoramic units.

There is probably the same amount of radiation in the 20 x-rays as there is in my 5.

Admittedly this issue amongst many other benefits to the pano machine is why I bought it despite it's 75,000 price tag.

I didn't ask for an exam, I asked for a cleaning. If a patient comes in for a cavity do you also insist on cleaning their teeth or else no filling?

I agree that they should've told you that there is no "cleaning" However, most dental patients these days realize that cleanings are bundled with exams and x-rays. I suppose we should do a better job as a profession communicating that.

If a patient comes in for a filling, of course I don't insist on a cleaning. But I would insist on at least an x-ray of the tooth I was working on. If they deny that, I deny them.. I'm not working blind.

 

[Dentist]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

How long had it been since you were in this office?

If you're a new patient... I'm telling you it's highway time

 

[Willie Neslon]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

How long had it been since you were in this office?

If you're a new patient... I'm telling you it's highway time

I was in last year for a cleaning and gum count thing. I've been to them 7-10 times. I've given them business each year for the last 6 years. Fillings, deep cleanings, you name it. Just didn't want to get 20 xrays today before they scraped my teeth. Never before today did they tell me I needed 20 xrays.

 

[Green and Gold]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

I know nothing about dentistry, but I'm pretty sure he answered your question already in multiple ways. You walking out that door is a net positive in the long run. If he doesn't make money on cleanings, and opens himself up to a possible lawsuit by complying with a non-xray request, then even with your occasional filling it's a long-term net loss.

 

[Dentist]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

How long had it been since you were in this office?

If you're a new patient... I'm telling you it's highway time

I was in last year for a cleaning and gum count thing. I've been to them 7-10 times. I've given them business each year for the last 6 years. Fillings, deep cleanings, you name it. Just didn't want to get 20 xrays today before they scraped my teeth. Never before today did they tell me I needed 20 xrays.

Oh.. now if they had even a somewhat recent set of x-rays, you were an established patient, had been good with your billing, and had followed through with treatment in the past... then that's just bad business... did they change dentists or something? Is this a chain?

I'm not going to play hardball with someone I have a decent history with and who has generally followed through.

I may not have read the thread closely enough.... I kind of assumed you were either a new patient.. or someone who hadn't been recently.

I'm swinging over to your side of the plate... that's a dumb move on their part... at least without a good explanation.

Now... as for the 20 x-rays... surely they took those initially on you? no? Did you have a history of denying x-rays there?

 

[Willie Neslon]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

I know nothing about dentistry, but I'm pretty sure he answered your question already in multiple ways. You walking out that door is a net positive in the long run. If he doesn't make money on cleanings, and opens himself up to a possible lawsuit by complying with a non-xray request, then even with your occasional filling it's a long-term net loss.

I'm not suing anybody. I've never heard of any business that says money walking out of the door forever is a positive. I am not or ever have been a problem patient. I didn't even say I refused any and all x-rays. I just asked for the minimum number possible today. It was 20 or no cleaning. When I left I even smiled and apologized and was stunned when they let me walk out the door. I know when I'm being treated like crap and today was one of those days. Do this or else is never going to fly especially when the do this part is potentially damaging to health. "Don't worry, it's safe". Right.

 

[The Big Guy]

I have never heard of someone getting 20 before. I go for a cleaning 2x a year and every other time they do 4 bite wings and we are good. Don't think have had panoramic done in dozen years.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Going to my dentist always feels like walking into a commission based furniture or appliance store..

"You are due for x-rays"

"You REALLY should get the fluoride treatment"

"We sell this Oral-B electric toothbrush that you should be using"

I HATE going to the dentist and it has nothing to do with pain.

I had to switch dentists years back because my insurance changed and my old place wasn't in my new network. The old place was great in that you were never upsold and any dental work was done because it was a necessity. They always believed that less was more in terms of dental work. If I didn't need anything done, they wouldn't do anything. So the first time at the new place they put a filling in at the gumline saying it was necessary because of recession. It bothered me after they did it so i went back to the old place just to have them check the work because they were stellar dentists. They said it looked fine but they wouldn't have recommended I do it. It'll just make the gum run away from it more, they said. The filling has since fallen out. Should have never left the old place. They got their patient back now even though I have to pay mostly out of pocket. I know if I said to them that 20 x-rays wasn't going to happen they wouldn't tell me to relent or buzz off.

You just described the problems with dental insurance and the cuts that PPO's make dentists make.

If I sign up for your crappy insurance plan, I'm darn near forced to shove as many services down your throat that I can to make money.

If I'm out of network, I get my full fee and don't feel so pressured to sell you extra stuff.

I'm one of the out of network guys. And people leave my office all the time to get something cheaper...and many come back for exactly the reasons you described.

But it's a tough way to practice because of the economic pressures

Would you have just let a patient walk out like they did today? Even if someone refused the 20 xrays (if you still did 20) would you just have said sorry and goodbye? Seems insane to me.

How long had it been since you were in this office?

If you're a new patient... I'm telling you it's highway time

I was in last year for a cleaning and gum count thing. I've been to them 7-10 times. I've given them business each year for the last 6 years. Fillings, deep cleanings, you name it. Just didn't want to get 20 xrays today before they scraped my teeth. Never before today did they tell me I needed 20 xrays.

Oh.. now if they had even a somewhat recent set of x-rays, you were an established patient, had been good with your billing, and had followed through with treatment in the past... then that's just bad business... did they change dentists or something? Is this a chain?

I'm not going to play hardball with someone I have a decent history with and who has generally followed through.

I may not have read the thread closely enough.... I kind of assumed you were either a new patient.. or someone who hadn't been recently.

I'm swinging over to your side of the plate... that's a dumb move on their part... at least without a good explanation.

Now... as for the 20 x-rays... surely they took those initially on you? no? Did you have a history of denying x-rays there?

They have xrays but it's not 20. It's the whole mouth and they put it up on a big screen up in front of me while they work on me. I've never denied x-rays but may have asked for minimal before and I believe they complied. It's not a chain but several dentists working under the main lady. About 15 people working in the office. Every visit has either been covered by insurance or the balance has been paid in full at the time of the appointment.

 

[shadyridr]

My dentist wants to give me xrays every visit. I tell him to slow his roll

 

[matuski]

I work with an Interventional Radiologist who just leaves the fluoro on while he is working.

I GTFO for all but the 45 seconds he needs me in there... I wear double lead with him.

 

[Dentist]

I have never heard of someone getting 20 before. I go for a cleaning 2x a year and every other time they do 4 bite wings and we are good. Don't think have had panoramic done in dozen years.

1) again, most decent offices have a pano machine.. so no need for the 20

2) you should really have one done every 5... oral pathology can be severe.... and they check roots for infection

 

[Willie Neslon]

I have never heard of someone getting 20 before. I go for a cleaning 2x a year and every other time they do 4 bite wings and we are good. Don't think have had panoramic done in dozen years.

1) again, most decent offices have a pano machine.. so no need for the 20

I'm reasonably certain they have one. It's a high tech office. All my teeth are on the screen in front of me in one picture.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

It'll be fun when you get the bill.

My insurance gives me two free cleanings per year. It will be interesting to see if they bill the insurance.

They should also cover some level of x-rays within your preventative care - don't they? If that was the case I would have said ok to that level. Seems like all doctors are getting better at the upsell and order all kinds of tests with absolutely no care or regard as to what it may cost you the patient.

I got into so much with my doctor that I was ready to drop him and he retired. Then I got into with his nurse and her ####ty attitude and ineptitude with my prescriptions that the new doctor taking over refused to have me as a patient without ever meeting me.

 

[Fennis]

Man, people are high maintenance. Thanks god I don't have to deal with the public.

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

No profit...The hygienist cleans my teeth, checks "pockets", flosses. The Dentist comes in for two minutes rubs my neck, has me say "ahh" and bite down. Not sure how much more profit they need out of 5 minutes of work more than the cleaning that is done by the one doing the labor of the "cleaning"??

Oh, so the hygienists around you are on a volunteer basis? That's pretty sweet.

Right.. so let's just use $75 as a baseline price for a cleaning with no x-rays or an exam.

The girl cleaning your teeth makes $35 an hour. So now we're down to $40. I've probably got $15 worth of sterilization supplies (gloves, mask, plastic wrap) Now we're down to $25... and i have to pay someone to answer the phone for you to make your calls, power for all the equipment and lights whilst you were there, taxes, etc.

I'm literally going to make nothing on your visit unless we have the other items built in.

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

Your breakdown is valid, but $15 in supplies per patient? Bull####.

 

[RBM]

Wonder how many Tim Watley requests.

 

[flapgreen]

Not sure why you feel like you're entitled to make a profit at your profession, dentist.

The cost had absolutely nothing to do with it. I just didn't want 20 x-rays taken. He could have done any other dental exam he wanted to. And I relented to a few x-rays. 20 was out of the question. Prefer losing a tooth to cancer of the neck, thanks.

You are strange.

 

[Willie Neslon]

It'll be fun when you get the bill.

My insurance gives me two free cleanings per year. It will be interesting to see if they bill the insurance.

They should also cover some level of x-rays within your preventative care - don't they? If that was the case I would have said ok to that level. Seems like all doctors are getting better at the upsell and order all kinds of tests with absolutely no care or regard as to what it may cost you the patient.

I got into so much with my doctor that I was ready to drop him and he retired. Then I got into with his nurse and her ####ty attitude and ineptitude with my prescriptions that the new doctor taking over refused to have me as a patient without ever meeting me.

It was all free, all covered. Cost had nothing to do with it.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Not sure why you feel like you're entitled to make a profit at your profession, dentist.

The cost had absolutely nothing to do with it. I just didn't want 20 x-rays taken. He could have done any other dental exam he wanted to. And I relented to a few x-rays. 20 was out of the question. Prefer losing a tooth to cancer of the neck, thanks.

You are strange.

You can x-ray the crap out of yourself if you want. I prefer keep it reasonable.

 

[flapgreen]

No profit...The hygienist cleans my teeth, checks "pockets", flosses. The Dentist comes in for two minutes rubs my neck, has me say "ahh" and bite down. Not sure how much more profit they need out of 5 minutes of work more than the cleaning that is done by the one doing the labor of the "cleaning"??

Oh, so the hygienists around you are on a volunteer basis? That's pretty sweet.

Right.. so let's just use $75 as a baseline price for a cleaning with no x-rays or an exam.

The girl cleaning your teeth makes $35 an hour. So now we're down to $40. I've probably got $15 worth of sterilization supplies (gloves, mask, plastic wrap) Now we're down to $25... and i have to pay someone to answer the phone for you to make your calls, power for all the equipment and lights whilst you were there, taxes, etc.

I'm literally going to make nothing on your visit unless we have the other items built in.

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

Your breakdown is valid, but $15 in supplies per patient? Bull####.

He's lying! All people in tge medical field are just out to make a buck!!1

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

20 x-Rays???!!

That seems excessive!

 

[dickey moe]

You should just go to Mexico for your dental work. That's where the really good dentists are.

They always give me dulces after my visits.

 

[Dentist]

No profit...The hygienist cleans my teeth, checks "pockets", flosses. The Dentist comes in for two minutes rubs my neck, has me say "ahh" and bite down. Not sure how much more profit they need out of 5 minutes of work more than the cleaning that is done by the one doing the labor of the "cleaning"??

Oh, so the hygienists around you are on a volunteer basis? That's pretty sweet.

Right.. so let's just use $75 as a baseline price for a cleaning with no x-rays or an exam.

The girl cleaning your teeth makes $35 an hour. So now we're down to $40. I've probably got $15 worth of sterilization supplies (gloves, mask, plastic wrap) Now we're down to $25... and i have to pay someone to answer the phone for you to make your calls, power for all the equipment and lights whilst you were there, taxes, etc.

I'm literally going to make nothing on your visit unless we have the other items built in.

So I'm going to make nothing on you and accept the risk of you choosing to walk in my office and have a procedure done below the standard of care? No thanks.

Your breakdown is valid, but $15 in supplies per patient? Bull####.

What do you think it is?

You think Sterilization is free? You think the paste you polish with is free, the plastic barrier protections are free?

I didn't even bother to amortize the depreciation on the equipment, the maintenance on the equipment, etc.

Regardless of how you felt about my off-the cuff quick breakdown of the cost of the procedure.... I guess the bottom line is that if you walk in and walk out of a dental office and had a hygienist working on you for 45 min to an hour and they didn't generate $100 or more, the dentist/business owner made as close to $0 on the appointment as is possible.

And most people probably would be happy about that... "dentists are too rich anyway... so I should be able to get out of there for $0 to those jerks!"

Whatever.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

There's also no "cleaning only" package offered... I'd lose money on that. Without the built in price of at a minimum an exam... and some x-rays... there's no profit.. no one is going to do that.

Wow.