Dentist charging too much?? Is this normal?

[DavidY]

When my previous dentist told me that he was going to charge more than the insurer's stated rates...I switched to a dentist that went by the rates. I don't recall seeing an extra charge for a 1st timer....that was like 8 years ago with my previous employer.

Dave

[WildWolf]

When my previous dentist told me that he was going to charge more than the insurer's stated rates...I switched to a dentist that went by the rates. I don't recall seeing an extra charge for a 1st timer....that was like 8 years ago with my previous employer.

Dave

Anyone notice the fluoride rinse they use comes in a big jug and they charge you for this ! What are they getting the jug for $24, sheesh.

[redgrandam]

Anyone notice the fluoride rinse they use comes in a big jug and they charge you for this ! What are they getting the jug for $24, sheesh.

Yeah. What do you get charged for that? Last time i got charged 25 bucks. Seemed high to me, but it had been years since I was at a dentist so I have no idea.

[WildWolf]

Yeah. What do you get charged for that? Last time i got charged 25 bucks. Seemed high to me, but it had been years since I was at a dentist so I have no idea.

Probably the same $25. Do the figures, if they are buying the Jug for $24, and charging 100 patients $24, they are making $2,400 off those hundred patients. Good profit for a $25-$35 jug.

You are told to brush everyday twice, but atleast once a day. You are told to floss every day. You would think after doing this then visiting the dentist they would tell you positive news. Unfortunately they don't, as I was told even if you brush and floss everyday you get tartar build up which a tooth brush and floss can't clean, only a dentist can clean this. Why brush and floss everyday, if you can go to the dentist every few months let them do it, it seems they can only "really" clean your teeth at a cost of more then tooth brush and floss and mouth wash. Of course the obvious stay away from too much sugar, although doing that still doesn't mean perfectly clean teeth.

[gilboman]

You are told to brush everyday twice, but atleast once a day. You are told to floss every day. You would think after doing this then visiting the dentist they would tell you positive news. Unfortunately they don't, as I was told even if you brush and floss everyday you get tartar build up which a tooth brush and floss can't clean, only a dentist can clean this. Why brush and floss everyday, if you can go to the dentist every few months let them do it, it seems they can only "really" clean your teeth at a cost of more then tooth brush and floss and mouth wash. Of course the obvious stay away from too much sugar, although doing that still doesn't mean perfectly clean teeth.

not sure if serious

[gilboman]

Anyone notice the fluoride rinse they use comes in a big jug and they charge you for this ! What are they getting the jug for $24, sheesh.

notice the ingredients in a hamburger cost maybe $1 and you get charged $6 for it?

[WildWolf]

not sure if serious

Not sure if serious, what ?

[effie]

So as I now have decent benefits I went to the dentist today. My insurance plan covers 80% of costs, up to a reasonable limit, but when I got the bill I was surprised that I had to pay more than 80% of the total costs, because it seems that this new dentist charges 20% more than the "recommended average cost" that my insurance covers. In the end it was more like 60% of the total cost, not 80% that was covered

Is this normal? Do others pay more like this, or is this dentist unusual in his rates? I'm worried now that I can't switch dentists without paying the initial visit fee again (around $250), since I've already used my insurance allotment for first time patient exams for this year.

Your dentist is probably using the current fee guide - it's your right to ask him/her about this. It's not unusual for a dentist to charge the current rates, but, as others have pointed out, this varies; it's all up to the dentist. I wish there was an easy way to find a good trustworthy dentist who doesn't charge outrageous rates, but there isn't. You can switch dentists if you want. Just tell the new dentist that you've already paid for an initial exam, and ask to have your x-rays transfered. You paid for them so they belong to you. There are other types of exams that the new dentist could charge you for. The new dentist should be willing to discuss your options with you with respect to your insurance coverage.

It's frustrating, for sure...you think you've got good insurance and that should take the sting out of the cost. The whole industry is a money-pit, imho. Good luck!

[chemical_echo]

I just got on my benefits plan at work and am looking for a new dentist close to where I now live.

What's the best way to shop around for the best dentist in terms of prices? Just call and ask how much they charge for a cleaning (or filling, or x-ray, etc)?

I'm in Etobicoke, if anyone has any good recommendations of a dentsit that files straight to insurance rather than having me pay up-front and wait for the claim cheque.

[Mars2012]

Go to Ratemds.com and check out the dentists in your area. I used to go to some quack that always found cavities and other work at every checkup. After I switched, I checked his ratings and almost all the comments were about him only being in it for the money!

[Spidey]

Dentists, the top money grabbing greedy professions out there. Get used to it

What I love is as soon as they find out you have insurance their rates go up even higher.

[chemical_echo]

Go to Ratemds.com and check out the dentists in your area. I used to go to some quack that always found cavities and other work at every checkup. After I switched, I checked his ratings and almost all the comments were about him only being in it for the money!

Thanks for the link. I only wish one of the parameters on there was if they make you pay up front or if they charge your insurance.

[Catherine111]

It is seen that Private practice dentist that have a good business and are very wealthy. There's nothing you can do about it. Because they can and people will pay it to get rid of their pain so the demand and charge will be the same increasing.

[WildWolf]

It is seen that Private practice dentist that have a good business and are very wealthy. There's nothing you can do about it. Because they can and people will pay it to get rid of their pain so the demand and charge will be the same increasing.

Whoa that is excepting what they are doing is fine. If there was standards put forth that said for example, a cavity cannot cost more then $125 there wouldn't be this price hording. I suppose getting a brick in the face from dentist is fine too, hey they are a dentist, I just have to accept it and pay them for it too.

[Forhad]

I remember in Toronto, I paid about $200 for general cleaning. So idon't know it's normal or not.