Dental Fee Madness

Is dental care a basic health right? How can treatment plan fees be so astronomical?

I talked to two clients this week who were completely astounded with their pricing estimate on their dental treatment plan. Both were highly educated executives with international exposure and had excellent dental care throughout their life. Each client was healthy, maintained a good diet and exercise. One individiual was a UK ex-pat who had grown up in the National Health System in Great Britain and wondered what do people in the US do without a safety net. Medicaid has supported millions but those cuts loom on the horizon however even that benefit was primarily for the indigent. The middle class which is barely hanging on to that title generally has to pay cash and it is anyone's guess how dental care was prioritized during the recession. Patient #2 had premier dental insurance throughout his life, which proves even great dental care cannot deny genetics if your teeth are predisposed to failure, stress, accident or peridontal disease. Unfortunately, the needs each expressed included treatment of implants,crowns, dentures and / or bridges that regardless of dental insurance is barely covered - if at all. The fee estimates were astronomical and many poor families could finance their retirement on one alone. I know firsthand the overhead in medicine and dentistry in the US but there are complementary services such as in prosthetics where extreme profit margins are made. Economies of scale exist in dentistry just as they were discussed during the recent health care imbroglio. And yes, the insurance industry drastically needs reform.

The feeling and frustration each patient expressed going through this process was the total lack of empathy and understanding that was delivered along with the plan. The arrogance and ease of the dentists who felt more than comfortable their clients could pay and payment plans were not an option. Medicine cannot be an incentive based business.

The United States has made significant strides in oral and dental health over the last 50 years. Dental care, fluoride and the general fiscal improvement in society regardless of class has led to these advances. But, they are going to rapidly deteriorate until dental and medical health are seen as basic rights and made more affordable regardless of socioeconomic status.

Know that you have an alternative and it can be found in dental tourism. See kdana.com and the FAQ to help guide you. I have guided you in the past with your rights as a consumer. Know them. Practice them and negotiate. Your dentist needs you as much as you need them. And speak up - your dental health is paramount to those with chronic disease, longevity, and overall well being.

Dental Care on a Tight Budget

How can you empower yourself and your health when seeking dental care? A few negotiation tips can save you money, but you also have great options to really stretch your dollar as a dental traveler.

Dental care expenses should be scrutinized as part of your medical care profile. Planning for dental care can sometimes be an afterthought when dental health appears stable. Health care costs continue to escalate and we frequently feel vulnerable because our options are limited. Few insurance plans cover dental expenses and preventive, routine, or emergency care is necessarily paid out of pocket with cash or credit card because payment plans are rarely an option.

Cash Talks

As a direct paying consumer you yield a powerful tool when selecting your dental care provider so research and negotiate wisely. Fees may not be transparent and determine whether they are grouped together or unit priced – that is, per procedure. Always receive a written dental treatment plan if procedures are recommended. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a discount if you are paying cash but determine that upfront before any services are rendered.
If a consulting opinion is necessary with another specialist outside of the clinic where you are receiving care, your radiographic films should be made available digitally (to you or the specialist) to avoid duplication and additional X-ray exposure. Better yet, choose a dental group that includes all the specialists you may need. This business model of shared overhead should be reflected in their fees, technology, and quality.

What if the treatment plan price exceeds my budget?

Dental health can be precarious as we age and what do you do when the price tag exceeds your budget, especially in the case of higher ticket items such as implants, bridgework, crowns or root canals. Perhaps you are also finally considering a full cosmetic restoration with veneers or crowns for that smile you have always dreamed of. Today many people are choosing international travel for dental care and the field of dental tourism has grown significantly in the last 10 years. Cost savings of 50-70% including travel exist with the most popular countries being in Central Europe, Asia and south of the border. The majority of dental travelers choose Hungary which serves as the epicenter of dental education for all of Europe.

An important consideration when traveling for dental care requires a stay in another country with a different language, customs and currency; your confidence with the chosen clinic and dental staff is paramount. Selecting the highest quality dentist office requires careful research and due diligence in determining the best dental provider for you. Many countries do not have the same standards of the United States and Canada and you should understand what these differences are.
If you are considering travel as an option, where do you start? Your search should begin with the internet and there are a multitude of websites for many countries. Remember, the dental clinic website is the online office so look for a clean, crisp look with a comprehensive site map that includes answers to all your questions.

Finding a qualified dentist and clinic can be daunting but it is possible to have premium quality dental care and a holiday at the same time. It is important to do your homework and choose a clinic and dental agent who will answer all your questions to your satisfaction and be available throughout each step of the process. These are only a few of the considerations you should make if pursuing this path and quality of care should always be your guiding factor.

Smile Design - Aesthetic Dental Concept Previews New Smile!

Kreativ Dental Clinic, Budapest, Hungary announces the introduction of Smile Design, computer assisted smile visualization that is ideal when considering cosmetic aesthetic restorations, veneers, implants or other major dental work. Smile Design applies concepts of facial harmony to enhance the aesthetic design solution for patients, and allows collaboration with their clinician for a true dental experience. The dental specialist - whether the peridontist, prosthodontist, gnathologist, implantologist or aesthetic dentist - now has the capability to integrate smile options from a database of over 60,000 smiles that will help define the outcome especially during complex dental revisions. A photograph defining your facial contours is contrasted with the database to assist in identifying an outcome to assist with your decision making. If you are considering interventions to establish and restore your smile, choose a certified Smile Design specialist. Your smile can be rejuvenated and symmetry will be restored when the specialist integrates this highly advanced design concept in making recommendations to you. Choosing this enhancement option allows you in the decision making of your own treatment plan. Your smile is customized specifically during cases of deep bite or disadvantageous teeth exposure during smiling or speaking. Comprehensive consultation is required with a certified Smile Design specialist who will include all necessary specialists throughout your treatment. Choose quality, technologically advanced care at the Kreativ Dental Clinic, Budapest, Hungary. Kreativ Dental is the first Center of Excellence in Dental Care in Europe and North America. Check with Kreativ Dental Agency North America (kdana.com) and we will answer all your questions in this important procedure to help you with the smile you have always wanted and finally deserve.

Kreativ Dental Introduces 'The Wand'

I remain fascinated by the capital investment of Kreativ Dental Clinic, Budapest, Hungary. Kreativ continues to ensure their dentists have the latest technology that will provide a quality and comfortable dental experience for patients. Kreativ has just introduced The Wand, or CompuDent / STA system, computerized local anesthetic administration technology. Here is a little background. Have you ever heard of dentophobia? Wikipedia defines it as fear of dental care or dentistry. There is even a website devoted to dental fear, www.dentalfearcentral.org. Many who have this fear avoid dental care for years therefore subjecting their general health to diseases and problems associated with poor or limited dental care. There are many different types of dental fears and a predominant one is fear of needles. Typically, a dentist administers a topical anesthetic via an injection into the area where a procedure will be performed. Often, patients have not only a fear of the needle but also fear that an inadequate supply of anesthetic will result in pain, which then intensifies their anxiety. This common fearsome experience often stops patients from seeking dental care. The truth is, 99% of the time the pain is not from the needle rather rapid introduction of the medication. When The Wand is utilized, the instrument is held by the dentist just like a pen and the computer does the work. The Wand introduces the medication at a slow and steady pace reducing error or judgement in the flow of anesthetic. The Wand's comfortable administration also ensures a well controlled flow rate and pressure in 'difficult' areas like the palate where the tissue is less elastic. Kreativ's dental practitioners rave about this new technology and the investment in their most important asset - The Patient!