Why are so many people on here seeking free dental work?

Question

I realize that dental work is very expensive, but so is any other type of medicine. And most dental problems could have been prevented with regular checkups and good home care. I hear people everyday blame their dental problems on all sorts of things. Most of the time, a really great dentist or assistant can see through these excuses. Regardless of the reason though, why do you think that a dentist should do your work for free? (If you havent asked one to, this isn't directed at you) Do you not realize that before you, there were about 100 other people asking the same thing? And if you are claiming that your dental problems are the result of "no enamel", "my parents never took me to the dentist when I was a kid" and other similar reasons, that the dentist is not stupid, he knows that you haven't been doing what you needed to take care of your teeth. I am a dental assistant and the money that my dentist makes pays my salary, so no we cant take in every "free" case we are asked to.If a dentist constantly did this, how is he suppose to pay his staff? They are normal people just like you, who have bills to pay, kids to feed, and a mortgage. Why is it that there are a lot of people looking for free dental care?

I am not trying to be mean or judgemental, but what if your boss not getting paid, meant that he might not be able to pay you? This is how alot of dental assistants feel, and alot of dentists get really tired of hearing people hit them up for free dental work. It isn't free for him, he still has to pay for all the materials that he uses on you. Would you go to Walmart and ask for free groceries? No, most people wouldn't, but they don't hesitate to ask for free dental work. And as a matter of fact, I have seen alot of people post questions about free dental work on here. Remember, I am an assistant so I am in this section alot more than most people outside of dentistry. More people need to examine there finances more closely and see what they could cut down on (Do you need 150 cable channels?) and at least only ask for a reduced fee, not just free and clear.

By the way, there are alot of dentists on this site. I talk to one of them on a regular basis on here. There are also alot of dental assistants who are very knowledgeable. Just for the record, my job doesn't offer medical insurance, so I know full well how it feels not to have insurance. I still dont ask for free medical treatment.

Check your sources, cause decay is caused by sugar. Some people may be more susceptable to decay due to acid erosion problems, but make no mistake, sugar causes decay.

Answer 1

Personally, I pick and choose my charity cases. I know your boss does also.

It's just impossible for us, as a group of faceless and geographically diverse "answerers" to really guide those in need in the right direction.

I guess you can use Yahoo! for free without even owning a computer, but sometimes I choke a little when someone who is probably paying $35-50 a month for DSL or cable internet access says that they can't afford something that costs only about a hundred dollars. A reasonable monthly payment for the dental services that they are asking about would be less than that.

Ooo, is it getting hot in here now???

Answer 2

That's funny because I just got a wisdom tooth pulled. It started hurting on a Thursday and by Sat morning it was terrible. Anyways I have never really had a dentist,so I went to this one that was open on Sat. So I go in there and the lady asks if I have insurance(which I don't) So she says it will be 150.00$ up front and I said OK but what do I get for 150.00$ up front. Well after asking the question a few times she finally gets pissed and says "an ex-ray and an opinion,that's what you get!" I told her it was a wisdom tooth and I just wanted it gone. She said "she didn't care and they would make that decision!" I told her I would just pull the f-ing thing myself. My wife talked me into waiting till Mon. So, I saw the dentist she takes the kids to. They treated me great and gave me an x-ray and an opinion for $24.00. All in all it cost me $130.00.(which I thought was a great price) I have been burnt by other dentists in the past and I will bet allot of other people have too. They know you are in pain and take advantage of the fact. I am not saying all of them,but allot of them do. What would make that women think I am going to shell out $150.00 For possibly nothing? ( I think she should lay off the pipe) I didn't want free dental just an honest dentist.

Answer 3

Not that I'm one of these folks, seeing as I have insurance, but many people don't, and can't afford it. As it seems you are unaware, there are MANY jobs out there that offer medical but not dental insurance, and most of the people with those jobs don't have the money for dental work themselves. And further, as you should be aware, seeing as you are in the field, there ARE dental problems which are unavoidable with good hygiene and care (mostly orthodontic).

Besides, if you were desperate to fix your teeth, even if you knew that your past bad habits might have been the primary cause of the issues, mightn't you try claiming no fault, if you thought it might help?

Answer 4

You are just so right!!!

I am also going to add my 2 cents worth.

I live in Australia and I am a Dental Therapist. All children in Australia are entitled to FREE dental care from the ages of 4 - 17. My gripe is the number of parents who make appointments for their children and then don't turn up!!!! or they are advised that their child needs treatment and they then wait months before they bother coming back and then wonder why we have to take teeth out instead of fixing them!!!! or they bring their child in because they have toothache and we fix that tooth and then they don't come back to have their other treatment done until they have toothache again!!!!

Is it just me that thinks this is child abuse????

Answer 5

It amazes me the number of people who come onto this site claiming that dentists:
Rip people off
Are greedy
Take advantage of pain
Get rich for no work

They say they can't afford even basic dental care, but these same people have no problem paying for: alcohol, cigarettes, vacations, off-road vehicles, HD TV's.

People find ways to pay for stuff they really want.

Dentists are in business. They have overhead costs, they spent a HUGE amount of money getting an education, they provide well-paying jobs for their staff, most of whom are women. Why should they work for nothing? Do you?

Almost every dentist I know takes charity cases. They give away thousands of dollars worth of free work every year. In some cases, their staff comes in on a day off and works for free for a deserving patient.

Huskey Mom isn't judging people. She's asking a legitimate question and I think she deserves an answer. For some reason I do not understand, a great many people think dentists should donate their work to people who can't afford it. Perhaps plumbers, electricians, and auto mechanics could do the same thing.

When you go to the dentist, you are paying for a professional diagnosis, skills, and treatment delivered in a sterile and caring environment. That stuff costs money.

If you are disabled, elderly, disadvantaged kid...chances are we'll see you for free. We are humans and we have a social conscience. We'll take home less in our paychecks to help you.

But why ask people who work very hard to get dental benefits, or who are able to fund their own dentistry to carry the burden of your dental needs? Socialism didn't work well in the old Russia and it for sure doesn't work here.

Answer 6

The examine up is unfastened however the rest you pays for at NHS expenditures till you're receiving the different income (including council tax income) The final 3 hundred and sixty 5 days's cost (would have long previous up because) for a set of dentures became £177.

Answer 7

Not everyone can afford it. A lot of dental schools will do it for little to no money when it is the end of the class cycle just to get the training they need so they can graduate. Don't hate on people for being poor. That's just distaseful and wrong. I understand that you are a dental assistant and that is where you get your money, from taking cases that pay, but all you had to do was respond to one of their questions ans suggest what I just wrote above.

Answer 8

You know, I have honestly never seen anyone asking questions on Yahoo Answers about free dental care. If someone was seriously looking for some, about the only place to get it is at a community clinic or a dental college if you have any in your area. But I really haven't seen any questions about that.

Answer 9

First, I'd like to address the "excuses" comment. I for one have been lucky enough to be able to pay for A LOT of expensive dental work, and I'll pay for a lot more before I'm done, and not because I don't take care of my teeth. I brush twice daily with one of those $100 "sonic" toothbrushes, floss EVERY day (usually after lunch when I can't brush), get regular check-ups, AND have eliminated sugar from my diet. AND. I. STILL. GET. CAVITIES. It may be a minority, but there really are some people who are just more prone to decay for reasons that have not been determined yet, so don't be so quick to judge.

Many - too many - people do not have dental coverage and barely make enough to keep a roof over their heads. While a lot of places have some type of program to provide free or reduced cost dental care for children, millions of people (obviously you're privileged not to be one of them) live in places where they have no access to this type of thing for their kids, much less themselves. Instead of judging people in need, why not just be thankful that you're not one of them?

Answer 10

even if you have regular medical insurance few cover dental and eyes, and the government care for medicaid also doesnt cover dental so most of it just goes to the devil,however you are being a bit judgemental, try to just forget the askers on here, and deal with your job as best you can.