Dental screening on Thursday...reasonable cost and point of being weighed?

Question

I made an appointment to have a dental screening (x-rays and a general evaluation) Thursday. It will be $94. I chose a university, because I believe those are cheaper than private practices. Is this cheap? It still sounds like a lot. Also, if I do in fact have cavities, I will have to get a second job and attend school...do you think I would be better off paying for dental insurance and then getting the dental work? I did a search on this forum and was shocked by the prices. I'm a college student, and I'm paying for this on my own...how long can I wait and still be okay (just so I can make a little more money)?

Also, I remember when I got braces as a young teenager, they weighed me. What is the point of being weighed? I don't really see a connection with my weight and dental health. Was that only relevant to my orthodontic work, or will it also be required for a regular screening? I'm hoping it won't be necessary.

Thanks in advance.

This is a regular exam, not an orthodontics exam.

Thanks again.

Answer 1

Weight may have been a factor in determining your stage of growth. Orthodontics is all about trying to work WITH growth and development to GUIDE your teeth where they need to go. Timing is everything.

We used to weigh patients as part of their general medical evaluation when they were processed in as new patients in dental school, but the last time I weighed a patient was 1975. I have not missed that data either. I've got scales in my eyes that are accurate enough for my purposes. I'm not an orthodontist, though.

As far as the fee: I think $94 is cheaper than you could have x-rays and an exam in most private office, but I'm not impressed that it's all that cheap. Dental schools are not the bargain basements that they used to be as universities are holding them more accountable for their income. Some schools have actually closed because they were not able to raise clinic fees high enough to pay their own operating expenses and the universities cut them off. At $94, if you factor in the 3 hours or so that it will take for the procedure, you might think it's cheaper in the "real world." Now, if that includes a cleaning, it's a bargain. An exam only and panoramic x-ray in my office would total $125. A very detailed evaluation (perio charting) and x-ray would be $155. You decide.

Answer 2

Going backward, you can expect to skip the weigh in at the dentist, although it makes good sense for all of your health care providers to have a feel for your overall health.

Your checkup at $94 is a bargain. My insurance pays $154 for mine (I'm looking at the bill from my last one.)

If you need dental care, better to nip it in the bud, before it gets really expensive, and becomes an emergency. The dentist will accept a payment plan from you.

Smile. It looks good!

Answer 3

well in UK the price 36 Private so sounds right to me my mates from USA plus they need to weight you for how much injection you need get some insurance be lot cheaper too but see what you need doing 1st

Answer 4

don't know about the price, but, they need to know your weight to give you the proper dose of any medications you may require