Among Friends

[ladyroxanne]

we haven't had dental insurance for a few years, but now we just got it.  i shudder at the cost of going to the dentist.  every little thing is expensive and before you know it you owe him your life almost.  i hate going.  my husband goes every 3 months for cleaning.  i'm due to go and really resent paying such high prices even though we now have the insurance.

does anyone know why dentists are so expensive??

[lulu2]

We've never had a dental plan that has covered more than $1500 annually.  With our dentist, that isn't a full crown. 

There are tons of clinics popping up all over the area that advertise family plans as opposed to insurance.  If I were looking for a new dentist, I would consider looking into a clinic.

Dentists with private practices tend to be more expensive than clinics with numerous dentists.

[151949]

I understand that most states have some restrictions on what dentists can charge for various services. Here in Florida they do not. Thus - even with 2 dental inurances - one our advantage plan and the other delta dental - we find a teeth cleaning in Fl is highway robbery in comparison to Pittsburgh. We have more dentists here than you can shake a stick at because they are unrestricted in what they can charge. If you have dental insurance like delta dental they require the dentist to send in proof that whatever he wants to do needs done - like x rays. Last year the dentist said I had 3 cavities that would need filled but could not produce the x ray proof so the ins refused it. When I saw my dentist in Pitts. over the summer he said there were no cavities. 

[Group 5 minus 1]

I am sorry. Health Ins. is a big mess these days. Remember that when you vote.

[3cupcakes]

@lulu2.  The only thing to beware of w/the dental clinics is that some of them operate on commission, I have been told.

[jackthebear]

OP

Be happy that you have dental insurance.

Or reevaluate possibly investing the premiums and not paying for the insurance

[RedTop]

After my COBRA coverage ran out, I signed up for Delta Dental.   My coverage costs $31 a month.   I saw my dentist 3 weeks ago for routine cleaning and checkup, no X-rays.  My bill arrived last week, and my cost share for the visit was $24.60.

[Mz iMac]

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@lulu2 wrote:

 I would consider looking into a clinic.

Dentists with private practices tend to be more expensive than clinics with numerous dentists.

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Another consideration are dental schools.  You cannot beat their prices!!!!!

[JavaQueen]

Regarding dental school clinics....it depends. Most of my work done by a dental school/student has failed and I am facing very costly procedures. I know a few others who say the same. Some have had no problems. 

It' s the luck of the draw.

[Kachina624]

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@ncascade wrote:

I am sorry. Health Ins. is a big mess these days. Remember that when you vote.

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@Group 5 minus 1    Dental insurance has nothing to do with health insurance.   It is a lose/lose situation for insurance companies.   They could easily pay out the max benefit amount every year since the cost of procedures is so high. 

Most people don't realize that many practices are being bought out by large corporations which operate likes businesses,  not health providers.   The patient rarely receives optimum care under this type of arrangement.   My dentist retired and sold out to corporation that can't find dentists,  even just out of school,  because they pay so little.