I just spent $4,000 this year to save 3 teeth, and I've got another $2,000 to go. My dentist is good, but he's making about $1000 an hour. What do people do who can't afford this?
2007-07-15 03:37:40 · 10 answers · asked by Robert B 2 in Health ➔ Dental
By the way I can go to Mexico which is 30 minute away and pay a quarter of the cost. However I have had so many bad experiences with dentists in the US I was afraid to do so (but I'm sure there are some good dentists down there). Our system does have its problems.
2007-07-15 05:16:58 · update #1
I know it is very sad isn't it. Your dentist is in a business first of all. He/she went to school a long time to have a "good paying" job. Think about all the student loan bills he has ok...lol.
Dentistry I think could be cheaper, but it is just like everything else in this great country of ours. Someone is always trying to make money. The suppliers that dentists have to use to provide them with the great new products out there charge ridiculous amounts for these supplies. Why? Because they can. A small part on some of our equipment can cost $200-300. The labs charge high amounts to finish the work for the dentists. Why? Because most dentists don't want or have the time to do their own. It is a get it done fast kind of world and just as you've noticed when you go to a "convenience store" you pay more for that convenience.
Your teeth are a good investment.....you need them to maintain good health. It is all about priority. Is a car, TV, boat going to give you good health. I know that sounds lame. I'm just trying to make you feel better about doing the right thing concerning your health. Maintain a good hygiene routine concerning your investment. Get your teeth cleaned regularly, brush and floss regularly and don't bathe them in sugary soda pop....Good luck and smile!
2007-07-15 03:57:29 · answer #1 · answered by nancy s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Emmalue gave a very good answer and I just want to expand on it.
Yes, in your case the dentist is making gross (before taxes or expenses) $1000 per hour. Now let's see what he gets to do with that $1000.
Pay his assistant: approximately $16 plus her benefits (insurance, etc) So that's total around $25/hour.
His hygienist: With salary and benefits, around $35/hour.
Pay his office staff, depending on how many he has, probably total per person $20/hour.
He also pays rent for his building, utilities, insurance, etc.
And the equipment he actually uses on you. Have you ever had laughing gas (nitrous oxide)? That one little can cost him around $5000. Each x-ray machine depending on if it is analog or digital cost him between $10,000 and $50,000. Everything down to the patient napkin they put around your neck is costing him money.
I guarantee he isn't going home with a paycheck for $1000/hour. Probably more like $200/hour. Still a lot you say? Well, he went to school for 8 years, is a DOCTOR, and earns it.
Added note: A dentist's malpractice insurance is JUST as much, and sometimes more, than a regular doctor's. Just because they work on teeth means nothing. No, they don't need to buy new equipment after each patient, but they do finance them and take loans. I was just giving examples of their costs.
2007-07-15 05:12:52 · answer #2 · answered by Heather N 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I assure you, your dentist is not making $1000 an hour.
Many factors drive high medical costs - insurance, staffing, labs, supplies, energy, continuing education, etc. It's a huge problem in this country and you should not blame dentists.
Because some people don't want to pay the $200 or so to go in for regular checkups and preventative care, they end up paying thousands to save a tooth, or they lose them.
The best way to save money is to take good care of your teeth and invest a little to save a lot!
2007-07-15 04:18:13 · answer #3 · answered by emmalue 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, dentists do have many loans and staffing, etc expenses. I do agree with all this they still charge too much. I never saw a dentist who lives in a tiny little house or drive a cheap car. Many of us do not make the type of salaries they pay their staff and have to sacrifice to live day to day. How many dentists perform needless procedures to make money.
Any professional person like a dentist or doctor know they will have these expenses before they enter the field.
They do not buy new instruments or equipment after each patient's visit. Heck, I know a dentist who performed a root canal free of charge (on my cousin) because they are neighbors in a swanky neighborhood. Would your dentist do this for you?
Each dentist can charge what they want because they know you need them. There insurance is not as high as a medical doctor since they treat teeth only, not the whole body.
2007-07-15 05:42:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Gosh I wish I knew the answer, I had a tooth pulled last year, it was $120 or pay $2000 to save it. Now i have ANOTHER tooth that has to be pulled right next to it, at least they are uppers in the back so not noticeable but still, can you imagine paying $4000 out of pocket to save two teeth, unbelieable! I could buy a used car with that money. Get this a friend of mine needs his 4 back teeth implanted (he had them all pulled due to cracks from grinding), his dentist wants $14000 to replace these four teeth. MY GAWD!
2007-07-15 03:53:41 · answer #5 · answered by C S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because of the fact organizations are grasping and that they comprehend all women individuals will ought to purchase them interior the top. as quickly as i'm finished with having young toddlers ... i'm in basic terms gonna take the pill back to back or get the injection as then I won't have classes then I won't ought to pay for the stupid issues. I often purchase a container or tampons (18 in a container that's around £3.40 ... approximately $7 on your funds) and that they only final a month!!! i think of all sanitary products must be loose on the NHS (or on your case from the coverage that gets paid for scientific appointments etc)
2016-12-10 12:48:57 · answer #6 · answered by selders 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Debt from dental school could be up to $400,000 which means the monthly payment on a 30 year loan will be about $3,000. Buy into a practice for another $300,000-500,000. General dentists especially have a very high overhead. I believe most will take home about one third of what you actually pay them because they have to pay the people who doe the lab work which will take about another one third of what you pay and pay for staff and the operation of the office, another one third.
2007-07-15 05:17:29 · answer #7 · answered by lagito 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sameas during the Great Depression.
Suffer with pain and/or lose their teeth
Cost $1.00 to pull a tooth, and many times no one had a $1.
Like all docs, malpractice insurance is one culprit
2007-07-15 03:46:48 · answer #8 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just paid $15,000 to get my teeth fixed
2007-07-15 05:02:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know but i'm w/ you. the dentists often don't even do very much!
2007-07-15 03:45:06 · answer #10 · answered by gilmore girl 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋