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Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,991
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

I have been going to the same dentist for 20 years or more, he is in Nassau County, New York. I have no dental coverage so I pay out of pocket, his fees keep going up and up. I got a cleaning, several x-rays, and exam by the dentist, for $260. This seems rather pricey, I was just wondering what other people pay.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,674
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I'm in the metro-DC area and my recent visit to the dentist for the same work you described cost about the same as yours.  Maybe slightly less.  But I know my dentist is on the expensive side.  But I have very complicated dental issues, so I'm willing to pay the price.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,482
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

A cleaning & exam from my dentist is $250 without xrays. Of course the hygenist cleans & the DDS exams. Large/major west coast city pricing.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,139
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

@Jordan2 wrote:

I have no dental coverage so I pay out of pocket, his fees keep going up and up.


I am not familiar w/NY dental prices.  However, since you are paying "cash" you should mention this to your dentist.  Ask if he/she is willing to reduce the fees since "cash" is involved instead of waiting for insurance co payment, partial or non payment.

Also, the fact that you are a steady patient (20 yrs), I would be surprised if the dentist tells you no!

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,346
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@Jordan2

 

You might get a hefty $ cut off your bill for paying cash like you do!

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,407
Registered: ‎07-07-2010

@Jordan2, I think for your area that the price is what you will find just about everywhere.  I do know that in our area, which is not as affluent (or at least that is the impression), some dental offices offer a cleaning, x-rays, and exam for $99.  It really is whatever the market will bear.

The next time that I hear salt and ice together, it better be in a margarita!
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,430
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

I don't think you got overcharged. just my opinion. 

 

we just moved to a new town, and had to establish ourselves with a new dr. 

dh and i both went on consecutive days for the same "meet and greet" exam. 

dr. only asked questions from his corner spot. never even laid hands on dh. 

me, he eyeballed a suspiscous spot on my leg, but nothing more.  $455.00 each.  as we both have medicare there was a out of pocket payment. For whatever reason, mine was about $ 8.00 more. 

before we moved here, that same exam was like $250, and then our portion. bigger city, bigger bucks i guess.

at our last dr. dh was getting a routine exam, and dr. noticed dh had a wax ball in his ear, and asked if he wanted him to remove, which he did with a drinking straw.  Inserted the straw in his ear, put his finger over the end, and pulled it out.  we got billed for $440 for the straw treatment. 

sheesh.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,482
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

MD visits paying with cash is one thing, a price reduction, DDS, not so much. Very different billling & income between MD & DDS.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,139
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

@ahoymate wrote:

MD visits paying with cash is one thing, a price reduction, DDS, not so much. Very different billling & income between MD & DDS.


I was thinking about that.  But, the OP stated she has been going to this dentist for 20 yrs!  That should account for something.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,149
Registered: ‎05-27-2015

@Jordan2 I actually think they are giving you a break.