Teeth Cleaning (1 Viewer)

[Chargers86]

My dentist recommends every 6 months. I am pretty sure his golf course membership has something to do with this recommendation.

It has been about 7 months since my last cleaning and the office has been calling me every other week trying to set up an appointment. I have been blowing them off telling them I am busy and that I will call them to schedule an appointment when I have time!

I usually get one at around the 10-14 month mark. What about you guys? I am thinking about switching dentists if these ###### don't quit calling me. They're like bill collectors!!!

 

[Zow]

my insurance covers 2/year. i think it's worth it.

 

[Stoneys]

I go every 6 months, I just schedule it that way when i am on my way out and have to sign my insurance form and grabbing my free tooth brush, travel tube of paste, and a small thing of floss.

But I like going to the dentist

 

[eoMMan]

Never.

 

[Copeman]

my insurance covers 2/year. i think it's worth it.

Same regarding the insurance. Once every six months for me. In fact, my next scheduled cleaning is in 2 weeks.

 

[Chargers86]

my insurance covers 2/year. i think it's worth it.

So does mine....I have never had a cavity or any other major issues. I just hate the dentist and would prefer not to see him twice a year.

 

[E-Z Glider]

But I like going to the dentist

wattf

 

[Jason Bourne]

Never.

 

[valence]

Sonicare means never having to go to the dentist.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

My dentist recommends every 6 months. I am pretty sure his golf course membership has something to do with this recommendation. It has been about 7 months since my last cleaning and the office has been calling me every other week trying to set up an appointment. I have been blowing them off telling them I am busy and that I will call them to schedule an appointment when I have time!I usually get one at around the 10-14 month mark. What about you guys? I am thinking about switching dentists if these ###### don't quit calling me. They're like bill collectors!!!

if they bug you about setting up an appointment, they're probably protecting themselves from negligence if you come in about 8 months late and the dentist finds that you need a $1,500 root canal because you didn't come in earlier.

 

[Da Guru]

Twice a year. I will probably go more when we get free medical coverage.

 

[Todem]

2X a year.

 

[BillyBarooo]

this is pretty standard, 2x's per year since thats what most insurance plans cover.

As for the cleaning, i seriously doubt that its paying for your dentist's country club dues. Dr No can chime in here, but i'm pretty sure they see peanuts for these visits. Its the big procedures and cosmetic stuff where they make $$$

 

[No. 16]

my insurance covers 2/year. i think it's worth it.

So does mine....I have never had a cavity or any other major issues. I just hate the dentist and would prefer not to see him twice a year.

I love the feeling of my mouth after I get my teeth cleaned.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

 

[Josie Maran]

I'm 36 and have had my teeth cleaned maybe 5 times in my life. Never a cavity, nothing is crooked, never any issues at all.

 

[Sheriff66]

I go every 4 months

 

[ivnabru]

I think if you brush/floss regularly you can get by with once a year (assuming you have good genetics which I think play a big part in teeth). But if you're not at least a once a day brusher and flosser then I think twice a year will save a lot more than it costs in the long run. Don't forget a cleaning costs what $70 or so, the hygenist who's doing the work probably pulls in $20 or so of that when you think benefits and all. There's overhead and everything else while you're in the chair. I think Billy's right they probably don't pull in a lot of cash for a cleaning.

 

[glock]

my insurance covers 2/year. i think it's worth it.

So does mine....I have never had a cavity or any other major issues. I just hate the dentist and would prefer not to see him twice a year.

I love the feeling of my mouth after I get my teeth cleaned.

I just bumped mine up to 3x/year.

 

[Kirby]

I'm a cheap ###, so I only pick up the dental on my insurance every other year.

 

[Otis]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

 

[Osaurus]

Once every four years like POTUS elections and Leap Years.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

Good luck. Gotta clean all these Oreos out of your mouth before you even go there.And another.

 

[Dr. No]

My dentist recommends every 6 months. I am pretty sure his golf course membership has something to do with this recommendation.

It has been about 7 months since my last cleaning and the office has been calling me every other week trying to set up an appointment. I have been blowing them off telling them I am busy and that I will call them to schedule an appointment when I have time!

I usually get one at around the 10-14 month mark. What about you guys? I am thinking about switching dentists if these ###### don't quit calling me. They're like bill collectors!!!

Geebus. Do you really think your $100-150 appointment that will end up netting the doctor about $20-30 after he pays bills and staff is really going to contribute anything to any of his hobbies?Why does it always have to be "I'm paying off his (car, house, golf membership, boat, etc.)" Would you prefer we be poor? Would that make you come every 6 months, if you thought I wasn't going to eat if you didn't come?

This is definitely one of the reasons I'll never drive a nice car or ever talk about any hobby or vacation I ever take with patients... people throw it back in your face unless you're talking to someone who's got nearly as much dough or more than you do.

The industry standard is 6 months. That's the recommendation dentists are taught to go with. You don't like it? No problem. Instead of making up excuses on the phone, why can't you just nicely ask the gal making the calls that you'd like there to be a note in your chart that says: "I realize that 6 month cleanings are recommended, but I would prefer to have them cleaned once a year. Please call me at the 12 month mark from my last visit." That should cease the calls you dislike in a respectable manner. It's easy.

I do agree with you that every other week is too much. Generally the month someone is due we'll call twice. If that doesn't work out, we'll switch to trying about every other month.

 

[Dr. No]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%I figured a guy that has good money, is into health shtick, dressing well, and teeth whitening would be one of the 25-30%

 

[Josie Maran]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%I figured a guy that has good money, is into health shtick, dressing well, and teeth whitening would be one of the 25-30%

Did you just call Otis gay?

 

[Arizona Ron]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

Covered by insurance for 2 a year, but for some reason I have a hard time just getting there once a year.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%

Wow. I would have guessed it was much higher than this. Hmmmm, maybe I should cut back to once a year. I hate going to the dentist (no offense Doc No).

 

[Dr. No]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%

Wow. I would have guessed it was much higher than this. Hmmmm, maybe I should cut back to once a year. I hate going to the dentist (no offense Doc No).

What is really to hate about it? honestly what's the problem.. i'm just curious.the number is that low because 50% of the population just doesn't goto the dentist.. you have to figure that almost all of the poor don't go, then you have the fearful, procrastinators, uninsured, etc.That leaves about 25-30%it's just that the people you most likely associate with... people with jobs, people with insurance.... they are the ones that go.so in your circle it's probably closer to like 70%... because you don't have much associations with the poor and uninsured.

 

[Otis]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%I figured a guy that has good money, is into health shtick, dressing well, and teeth whitening would be one of the 25-30%

Did you just call Otis gay?

 

[TxBuckeye]

it's just that the people you most likely associate with... people with jobs, people with insurance.... they are the ones that go.so in your circle it's probably closer to like 70%... because you don't have much associations with the poor and uninsured.

I'd say closer to 90% where I work. Then again, a large portion of them have no choice and are required to go. I can't imagine not going to the dentist at least annually. I have sensitive teeth and don't like it one bit. But still, not going is just :X

 

[eoMMan]

I don't even know if I have dental insurance with my cheap health insurance (started job in December). :X

But, yeah, I can see going twice a year if your insurance makes it completely free.

 

[Dr. No]

it's just that the people you most likely associate with... people with jobs, people with insurance.... they are the ones that go.so in your circle it's probably closer to like 70%... because you don't have much associations with the poor and uninsured.

I'd say closer to 90% where I work. Then again, a large portion of them have no choice and are required to go. I can't imagine not going to the dentist at least annually. I have sensitive teeth and don't like it one bit. But still, not going is just :X

who is physically required to goto the dentist? are you in the service?if you have sensitive teeth you should be using sensodyne or an equivalent regularly

 

[Dr. No]

I don't even know if I have dental insurance with my cheap health insurance (started job in December). But, yeah, I can see going twice a year if your insurance makes it completely free.

in many cases it's not completely free, but is a very low sum... like you have to cover 20% of the $150 bill.. so like $30.. what's $30?

 

[Josie Maran]

I don't even know if I have dental insurance with my cheap health insurance (started job in December). But, yeah, I can see going twice a year if your insurance makes it completely free.

in many cases it's not completely free, but is a very low sum... like you have to cover 20% of the $150 bill.. so like $30.. what's $30?

A case of Miller Lite, two packs of Marlboro Lights, and a Snickers bar.

 

[GloryDaze]

I go every 3 months. Nothing like the feeling of freshly cleaned teeth by the hot dental assistant.

 

[Dr. No]

I go every 3 months. Nothing like the feeling of freshly cleaned teeth by the hot dental assistant.

that's great - there's a lot of people who need their teeth cleaned more often due to either gum disease or just a predisposition for heavy tartar buildup.but assistants don't clean teeth - hygienists do (except in certain states)

 

[Dr. No]

I don't even know if I have dental insurance with my cheap health insurance (started job in December). But, yeah, I can see going twice a year if your insurance makes it completely free.

in many cases it's not completely free, but is a very low sum... like you have to cover 20% of the $150 bill.. so like $30.. what's $30?

A case of Miller Lite, two packs of Marlboro Lights, and a Snickers bar.

sounds like the very definition of those who dont' like to come to the dentist.cheers!

 

[Josie Maran]

I don't even know if I have dental insurance with my cheap health insurance (started job in December). But, yeah, I can see going twice a year if your insurance makes it completely free.

in many cases it's not completely free, but is a very low sum... like you have to cover 20% of the $150 bill.. so like $30.. what's $30?

A case of Miller Lite, two packs of Marlboro Lights, and a Snickers bar.

sounds like the very definition of those who dont' like to come to the dentist.cheers!

:finger:

 

[joffer]

8 years and counting

 

[eoMMan]

I go every 3 months. Nothing like the feeling of freshly cleaned teeth by the hot dental assistant.

that's great - there's a lot of people who need their teeth cleaned more often due to either gum disease or just a predisposition for heavy tartar buildup.but assistants don't clean teeth - hygienists do (except in certain states)

I would think that going too often, like maybe every 3 months, would mess up the enamel....sort of like brushing too hard. Thoughts?

 

[Phurfur]

2X per year, my Dentists suggests coming in every 4 months but doesn't push it.

 

[Dr. No]

I go every 3 months. Nothing like the feeling of freshly cleaned teeth by the hot dental assistant.

that's great - there's a lot of people who need their teeth cleaned more often due to either gum disease or just a predisposition for heavy tartar buildup.but assistants don't clean teeth - hygienists do (except in certain states)

I would think that going too often, like maybe every 3 months, would mess up the enamel....sort of like brushing too hard. Thoughts?

definitely not.there's no way i can do any damage to your teeth by cleaning them 4X a year... heck even like 20 cleanings a year wouldn't hurt.but when people brush over-aggressively and incorrectly with abrasive toothpastes anywhere from 365-1000 times per year... now that can really do some damage.

 

[rodg12]

I go twice a year. It's free with my insurance. Why the heck not do this if it's free??

 

[TxBuckeye]

who is physically required to goto the dentist? are you in the service?if you have sensitive teeth you should be using sensodyne or an equivalent regularly

I'm not any longer. But I work on a base, and all active duty are, yes.I do use the Crest Sensitivity toothpaste. Not sure of the exact name. Just started with it about 6 months ago after a sample from the dentist. It has made a world of difference. No more pain when going from hot food to a cool drink, etc.

 

[joffer]

flossing regularly is the sharkmove

 

[E-Z Glider]

Twice a year is pretty standard.

People actually do this though? I thought that was like "brush three times a day." Yeah right.I'm going for a cleaning for the first time in like 2 or 3 years next weekend. Oof.

yeah, people actually do this. Not a huge number of people.. maybe 25-30%

Wow. I would have guessed it was much higher than this. Hmmmm, maybe I should cut back to once a year. I hate going to the dentist (no offense Doc No).

What is really to hate about it? honestly what's the problem.. i'm just curious.the number is that low because 50% of the population just doesn't goto the dentist.. you have to figure that almost all of the poor don't go, then you have the fearful, procrastinators, uninsured, etc.That leaves about 25-30%it's just that the people you most likely associate with... people with jobs, people with insurance.... they are the ones that go.so in your circle it's probably closer to like 70%... because you don't have much associations with the poor and uninsured.

Oh. I thought you meant only about 25-30% of your existing patients came every 6 mos. Lets see... why dont I like the dentist... I guess its mainly because Im a wuss. I hate when they're scraping with that pointy thing and it gets away from them and digs into your gum. That hurts. I also really hate that game they play where they see how far they can jam it down into your gums and call out numbers (2,3,2.... 1,3,2.... 2,2,1). That sucks. It annoys me that my hygienist is not hot. It annoys me when she badgers me about getting the fluoride treatment every time I go. I honestly turn it down just because she annoys me so much. She does do a good job though and always tells the dentist what "nice home care" I do. We sorta have this love-hate relationship. I guess the bottom line is that its not so much that I "HATE" going to the dentist, its just that there are about a million other things Id rather be doing.

 

[jhib]

My dentist recommends every 6 months. I am pretty sure his golf course membership has something to do with this recommendation.

Geebus. Do you really think your $100-150 appointment that will end up netting the doctor about $20-30 after he pays bills and staff is really going to contribute anything to any of his hobbies?

But to be fair, he didn't say the dentist was recommending it to him alone. I wouldn't necessarily agree that that is the reason for the 6 month recommendation, but are you saying your business wouldn't take a significant hit if all those every 6 months people switched to every 10 months instead? I guess I would have assumed that although you clear relatively little with simple cleaning visits, they are the high-volume visits that add up.Oh, and every 8-10 months for me, since my insurance doesn't cover it and I'm always told I'm an easy clean, anyway. 37 with no cavities :knockonwood:

 

[Jason Bourne]

My dentist recommends every 6 months. I am pretty sure his golf course membership has something to do with this recommendation.

It has been about 7 months since my last cleaning and the office has been calling me every other week trying to set up an appointment. I have been blowing them off telling them I am busy and that I will call them to schedule an appointment when I have time!

I usually get one at around the 10-14 month mark. What about you guys? I am thinking about switching dentists if these ###### don't quit calling me. They're like bill collectors!!!

Geebus. Do you really think your $100-150 appointment that will end up netting the doctor about $20-30 after he pays bills and staff is really going to contribute anything to any of his hobbies?

Lets see - assume dentist has a couple of hygienists, and can get 2 teeth cleanings per hour - max of 32 per day. Lets assume that they have other patients - so round it down to 20 per day, 100 per week, round down again - lets call it 4800 per year.4800*$125 = $600,000 in revenue. You seem to be running low margin office - but at 20% that is $120,000 in profit, in addition to what I hope are more lucrative procedures. So, if everyone decided to get their teeth cleaned half as often - you are looking at a shortfall of $60,000 per year - in profits.

Having said that - it is a business - I don't begrudge dentists, or anyone else trying to make a buck, and advertising, and direct marketing via phone calls is smart business (assuming it attracts customers). A lot of fixed costs in a dental operation, and any slot you can fill helps.

 

[Frank Drebin]

Sonicare means never having to go to the dentist.

It sure has shortened my cleanings. They never work on my teeth for more than a few minutes since we got our Sonicare. That thing rules.