Dentistry make money

About a month ago there was a blog post that got a lot of attention. It was titled 1 0 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too. It created quite a stir and wrote a post that I called 10 Reasons Why My Patients Love Me , in response.

The author of the first post wrote it with her tongue firmly planted in her cheek, and I wrote my response to sho. There are many ways to practice dentistry. Every dentist is faced with the problem of balancing the paradox between duty and desire..

We live in a material world and as much as we claim that less is more…so many of us still want more. Yet I truly believe we also want to to find meaning in our dentistry.

The 10 characteristics of top dentists who thrive in practicing fee-for-service dentistry.

It gets confusing for the dentist as he tries to earn his daily bread in an age where the business of dentistry is like the Wild Wild West. Thank you so much Mary Beth…I struggled with myself about writing this, but I see so much ethical breakdown in dentistry, and yes the majority of dentists are really trying to do their best. Of course the Readers Digest was guilty because their motive was to sell magazines…the last thing I want is to sound cynical…dentuistry is a great profession and there should be tighter controls as to how it is practiced like medicine?

Comment by barrypolansky — January 6, I am the office manager of a dental office in Texas. Insurance companies set their own fees. Insurance pays half and the patient pays half. Now, for out of network doctors, they get to charge their fee, and the insurance company still only has to pay half of their OWN fee! In both cases the insurance company is NOT the one taking a hit.

And this all before the doctor is compensated for his time and knowledge. So a doctor choosing to be in network of an insurance is more than likely going to make very little on all that work. But the one constant I see day in and day out, is that the insurance company never loses! In summation…patients should do their research before they choose a dentist. MOST dentists are good and honest!

Do dentists make a lot of money? | Student Doctor Network

And this all before the doctor is compensated for his time and work. So a doctor choosing to be in network with an insurance is more than likely going to make very little to nothing on all that work. AND I can tell you there are some great quality labs overseas that abide by our guidelines, and some horrible, cheap ones right here in the U. Sarah33 Hi Sarah…your comment is dead on..

I only wish the public knew this. Dentists, on the other hand, those trying to do their best, continue to operate in a confusing system that makes choices difficult for patients and dentists alike. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a really great comment. Comment by barrypolansky — January 14, Comment by Ayla85 — January 20, 3: The local dental professional claims the work you would like done will require four several weeks!

Why do likely to take four several weeks together with your local dental professional? However, normally it is because searching for you are looking for lots of try to be accomplished as well as your dental professional wants each bit of labor to stay in beginning prior to starting around the next good article.

Comment by Newmarket Dentist — February 27, 8: It is scary to know if your dentist is using outdated sterilization techniques. This is dangerous as this can affect the dental treatments that patients get. It really pays to ask and check the reputation of the dental clinic first before taking advantage of their dental services. Comment by Anne — August 20, 4: Comment by Dan M.

Thanks for the feedback…but you have to explain why you think so. This happens every time we go. Jen, You make my point. We live in strange complex times. Trust is the key to finding and staying with a health professional. For over forty years our society, for various economic and political reasons has commoditized health care. Finding a trustworthy health care provider has become a difficult task.

You are probably right in your assessment…professional offices usually let insurance dictate policy rather than take the time to build relationships…what you experienced is the result. Like the airline industry. A dentist is an qualified medical professional who specializes in the care of teeth, gums, and mouths. Thanks for this superb post. It will really help a lot of people. Comment by John Clarks — April 27, 1: My point exactly John. Comment by Teeth implants in the Philippines — May 13, After reading this post every patient will think twice before choosing a dentist.

Those who has already selected their dentists they will go for new dentist. Comment by Jennifer — May 14, 6: Just getting my dog to come to me is a real task. There are two blog posts on this site that may seem contradictory…the other is 10 Reasons My Patients Love Me…here is where I stand…I love dentistry and dentists.

I do everything I can to promote good dentistry. Who other than a dental professional knows more about our industry. So, what is the truth! I believe the vast majority of dentists are good, hard working, honest people…but I have seen a lot of things in forty years.

I wonder, who better than a dentist to help advise patients what to look for…. Dentists are trained to look at the whole patient and even take blood pressure before procedures. Do you think most people are reading the comments to see you defend yourself and explain that most dentists are good people? Liz, I have been waiting for your call. I commend you for your courage…and you are obviously passionate about dentistry. That is why I want to expose the truth rather than put my head in the sand…like saying all cops, politicians and NFL players are good.

I believe, and I have said it before…the vast majority of dentists are good people…but the system and the conditions which dentistry is being delivered today in our free market…leaves the door open for bad behavior…poor ethics. I thought I was clear about that in the post. Read deeper…not just headlines. I could have written a post that tells people How to Choose a Dentist…but this blog is directed to the dental community…and that post you want has been written over and over again…about every service professional.

Thanks for your input…I love the discussion. I really apreciate ur efforts pains in writing this article.. Thank You Radhakrishna—so many dentists say how easy the job is when I find it quite complex.

Working with people is dificult — many times during any given day dentists are tested to do the right thing—it takes an incredible amount of awareness and discipline to mainatin the truth. I wish to say that this Stuff is awesome, nice written and include almost all important information.

Why dentists are so darn rich - The Washington Post

I would like to see more posts like this. Comment by Best Dental Clinic India — June 24, 2: Comment by Tara — June 27, As a dentist, i can honestly say your slanderous remarks are false. It is a struggle to offer services to patients with the rising costs of lab fees and dental materials. Despite this, dental reimbursements by insurance companies have not changes their maximums in thirty years!!!. The costs to reimburse for dentures in less than the cost for the lab fee and that does not include expensive materials and needed follow up.

The labs charge as much as if not more for the dentures than i get from some insurance companies!!! I care about my parients as do the dentists i know. Yes it is a busines,i have to pay my employees but i sleep soundly as i do not practise in the manner you seem to do. What i believe,just as the article in readers digest, is that this negative attack on the dentists is coming from the insurance companies.

It seems another tactic to keep insurance costs down. I am a dentist with 40 years in an industry that I have seen change from pure fee-for-service to the situation we are in today which you accurately describe. The word slanderous is a bit strong—because I see myself as a friend an an asset to the dental community. I do my part to make sense of a very difficult business environment.

If you read the other posts on this blog and Casepresenter. That said…truth is truth. Aristotle once said that men take on the character of their times…and these times are tougher than before. The ethics of many dentists need to be monitored…in general, I believe that most dentists are honest caring people who are trying to do the best they can…I like to say they are trying to reconcile the paradox between duty and desire—the duty of being a great dentist and the desire to live a great life.

Sorry you were offended. I know that all of my dentists have been in it for the money. I always feel like my dentists hate me. I do avoid going because they generally cause me pain apparently I have large bones and even impressions hurt but I try not to let them know because I learned early on to hide pain from dentists. Once I had to get a crown.

The temp was too high. I called to tell the dentist, she told me I would get used to it. For 10 days I woke up with headaches until the permanent crown arrived. I was so excited to get it. However, it did not fit so it was back to the temp. Again, 10 more days of agony. The perm arrived and it too was too high.

She told me I would get used to it. Rather than get scolded gain, I paid thousands more to go to another dentist, who finally replaced the crown with one that worked. Dear Anonymous—The last comment I received was from a dentist who thought I was putting out rubbish—so I guess this is appropriate. There is a huge idconnect between the reality of the dental profession and poatient perception. I truly believe most dentists are good people trying tyo make a living like everyone else. Dentistry however is a very complex profession.

Too many people withyin the profession and outside the profession reduce it to just another job. There are technical as well as behavioral aspects that need to be mastered—not all dentists are on that path. So sorry for your experience—I will be addressing this issue about how to choose an ethical dentist — Thank You. Pingback by Cui Bono? The TAO of Dentistry — August 13, 8: Comment by forumdental — September 23, Unfortunately while many dentists are very good, many are incompetent, too rough or plain ignore your wishes.

Recently I had an experience where the dentist said what shew was going to do, I told her loudly and plainly I DID NOT WANT her to do it, and she overrode my wishes and did it anyway. Hi JJ, Just to clarify…there is a distinction between competence and caring.

It is difficult for the lay public to judge levels of competence. There are also caring dentists who are technically incompetent lots of them and they are the ones who fool the public. Trust is the main thing the patient must have and that is a blend of both…care and competence. Is now the DDS contacted the person who drove me and is now telling them they are responsible for the payment and their not even the one who had the work done. Work I paid in full for.

What do I do. They keep calling the person who drove me and it has nothing to do with them. Curious if you have any ideas about this: After the procedure which already brings up the question — pull a yr. He was given novacain and it was a simple procedure.

3 ways to get money into your dental practice faster - DentistryIQ

Any ideas how and where to complain about this? It actually feels like elder abuse to us. There is some information that you do not supply.

What state do you live in? I would agree that probably a 99 year old male would be better served with an oral surgeon, but two lower front teeth are generally quite simple unless he were medically compromised. If what you are saying is true then the fees do not fall within the UCR—usual, customary and reasonable guidelines for you community. This issue could be resolved with a letter to your State Board of Dentistry. Once they have all of the facts- I am sure they will advise you and the dentist of their findings.

I am a marketing company that provides services to dentists. I checked into a competitor marketing company that helps dentists acquire new patients as well.

The concept is pretty basic. They train your staff to schedule appointments fast and no matter the patient type or insurance coverage. So, I called a few of their clients.

They do NOT say they accept all insurance companies. When the patient books their treatment, the dentist indeed sends a claim to the insurance provider. If they are out of network, the dentist simply charges the patient the full fee.

Now, they ALL told me that the patients are fine with this. Seriously, I would hit the roof. Is this tactic really ethical? It definitely falls into the category of choosing money over ethics for sure.

Am I missing something here? Comment by Vin Messina — November 26, Vin…you are not missing anything. As you know because you are in marketing , professionals have to establish relationships with their patients. The cycle is to know, like and trust each other.

There are many in our society, dentists as well as patients, who are strictly looking for a functional relationship… here is my ticket…where is my laundry. But quality health care is not the dry cleaner. That said…if your business wants to grow…it behooves you to create high level trusting relationships…and use of language and semantics is a big part of that. Lying is not allowed. Think about marriage…and how relationships fail because of poor communication and manipulative misuse of language.

We live in tough times Vin…Caveat Emptor still applies I am sorry to say.

I see you are a duct tape marketer or you visited my site. Know, like and TRUST is the foundation of effective marketing for all businesses, dentists included. While I agree that the buyer should be aware, the language being presented is so subtle, that is nearly impossible to detect unless, like I was, you are looking for it. What is sad is that most patients will probably not recognize that they have been had.

They will TRUST even in the face of evidence that trust has not been earned. I also agree that medical professionals should be held to a higher standard when it comes to marketing for profit. You are responsible for the health of someone. Making a profit is a secondary byproduct of your work as a health care professional.

It should NOT become your primary focus. Either way, I appreciate the response. There is nothing new in the world— the Know Like and Trust concept has been around for years and I did visit your website. The health professions have gotten into problems over the last thirty years or so because of the newer rules of marketing — as health professionals we should be more aware of the social contract.

Our lives depend on it. Thanks Vin for your input. Now in pain, with jaw swollen from the multiple injections I received — and WHY? Sounds like you had a bad day Jane. As far as the business issues are concerned—should have been discussed up front. Not to prolong this, but in no manner did I suggest deliberate infliction of pain. With face still swollen, and gum pain three days later, this was straightforward incompetence, and will be treated as such.

Just saying—sometimes things happen. I do agree that in these more modern times times pain control—this probably could have been avoided. Comment by Barry Polansky — November 29, 8: Just an interim followup to the yr. By the way, you asked which state…California, Beverly Hills.

Ellen— So glad that the State Board acted appropriately. They are usually fair.

Comment by Barry Polansky — November 29, When I get a private patient that wants to pay for a crown then I send those to the American Labs. The state funded programs are to blame for this. No way that the business owner is going to eat up the costs!

AND LESS around 24 for a composite. So guess what…everyone is gonna get silver fillings, even in the front teeth…. Access, irrigate once and fill with a FF GP. But thats on a good day, if you have a crap attitude then your front teeth will be pulled out and a Stay Plate made in taiwan will be put in…good luck on getting a date to the prom!

Yep, get the industrial size drill out. The real question then becomes access to care. Is doing nothing better than actually treating these patients? Probably but the state does not think so. Medical — December 2, 5: These blogs should prove to be a great resource to dental students who want to stay current on the latest technology.

Comment by Dental care in India — December 9, Hi I have been going to a dentist with a very good reputation for over an year with insurance coverage but he is price. Let me tell you genetically I have bad teeth and suffering from enamel hypoplasia with 3 extraction s n couple of crowns A friend of mine suggested this new cheap dentist who is saying that all of my teeth need dome work or another. Couple of extraction rct crowns fill8 etc. Please tell me what to do? Hi Rita…although I am not an advice columnist and you will have to make your own decision…you should rely on your gut, and take money out of the picture.

That is hard to do I admit, but in the long run, saving your teeth the right way will be much less expensive than shoddy work.

You must go on trust…but there are some tell-tale signs: How responsive and empathetic is the dentist. Is he willing to listen to your circumstances and work out an achievable plan of treatment.

What local and national organizations does he belong to? Not what school he went to Photographs and testimonials from his patients.

Any achievements or acknowledgements about him or his work…not advertisements. That create an unsafe doctor-patient relationship, dentist-patient relationship. Kaitlin…unless it becomes glaringly obvious…most will hide their true feelings. But I agree if the relationship sours…get out. Good advice for life not just dentistry.

Hi Barry Maybe you can help me out. I recently went to my dentist to have 2 loose impants tightened up one front tooth and the one directly next to it which lies next to a canine. He informs me that the best route for me to go is to have a bridge installed and begins to sweet talk the benefits of having 4 more teeth drilled down so he can anchor the bridge to my canines.

So I stupidly gave him the go ahead. I feel like the victim of a con. Is there any action I can take? Hi Joshua…I am not sure what you mean by action.

Was there anything wrong with the implants…from any perspective…health, fit, function or cosmetics? Without knowing that it is hard for me to comment.

That said…a bridge is an alternative…probably my second choice if the implants were good. There are many dentists who still choose fixed bridgework over implants for a number of reasons. Just make sure that the bridge is constructed on a sound base…strong teeth underneath with sound periodontal support…make sure the materials are quality and it works well and looks good. If all of those criteria are met the bridge can last for many years with good oral hygiene. Fine with me and I paid it with a credit card.

I agreed for them to carry a credit balance in my account which would then be applied at my next visit. At that point I asked for a printout of a summary showing total charges, my credit card payment, the dental insurance payment and the credit amount left with the office. When I got home, I looked through and dental statements and there were no OSHA charges. She replied that HSMAT? Can dentists charge for OSHA?

My gosh, I just had XRays and a cleaning. Are dentists using OSHA federal rules as a basis to change their patients what I consider is an excessive fee or any fee at all?

Can you give me any amunition for demanding a credit reversal of the OSHA fee too? Comment by Mildred Ennis — September 12, 6: Legally the office is clear—morally—not so much. Dental labs did it too. Through the years most OSHA costs in most offices were built into the fees. Get out of Dodge. RSS feed for comments on this post. Join The Academy Buy Our Books Attend A Seminar Contact Barry. Book Reviews , Business of Dentistry , Ethics , TAO - The Book — Tags: Dentist , Dentistry , How Doctors Think — Barry Wild Wild West Dentistry.

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