How to Take a Big Bite Out of Dental Costs
Many people think that dentists are regulated by the province of Ontario and that all fees are the same no matter which dentist you choose - but this isn’t actually not the case.
In Ontario, dentists are NOT obligated to charge the same fees for the same services and all prices are based on their discretion. Although the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) does have a fee guide that is updated annually, this guide is actually just a reference and is NOT mandatory or enforced. Some dentists may use the current issue of the guide while others will use the past issues and/or a combination of both. In addition, every dentist sets his or her own fees, considering the factors affecting both the practice and the patients served, (including their rent). The ODA document helps dentists derive fees, but this is only a guide and the fees are only “suggested.”
To give you an idea of the differences in pricing, we had undercover shoppers call numerous dental practices with high patient ratings and asked them to provide their fees for several common procedures. The table below shows low, average, and high fees for the procedures we priced. As you can see, some dentists charge a lot more than others for identical procedures. For example, fees for a routine examination and cleaning ranged from $82 to $265, and charges for a porcelain crown for an adult molar, including post and core, ranged from $950 to $2,500
What to do if your dentist charges the highest fees
If you review this chart and realize that your dentist is falling within the higher price range, you may want to consider finding another dentist with lower prices.
If you like your dentist however, and don’t want to change, you may want to discuss the costs with the dentist and explain that you feel the fees are excessive.
Fortunately, however most dentists are willing to help patients find affordable treatment options at moderate fees. It is important to discuss costs with your provider and, if your dentist is unwilling to reduce costs and is reluctant to negotiate, then you may want to explain that your dental benefits are limited, and expensive treatments result in more out of pocket cost to you. It could even mean the cancelation of the dental benefit in more serious situations. In this case, many dentists will work out a deal with a patient to assist with care and maintain the relationship.
If you like your dentist however, and don’t want to change, you may want to discuss the costs with the dentist and explain that you feel the fees are excessive.
Fortunately, however most dentists are willing to help patients find affordable treatment options at moderate fees. It is important to discuss costs with your provider and, if your dentist is unwilling to reduce costs and is reluctant to negotiate, then you may want to explain that your dental benefits are limited, and expensive treatments result in more out of pocket cost to you. It could even mean the cancelation of the dental benefit in more serious situations. In this case, many dentists will work out a deal with a patient to assist with care and maintain the relationship.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Dental Costs
Regardless of a dentist’s charges however, the cost of dental care will be high if you are overtreated. Here are some ways you can keep costs down:
Brush, Brush, Brush
Good preventive care is by far the best way to save money. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings will help you avoid future expenses for treatment and restorations.
Ask dentists to describe alternative treatments for any condition
Look also for signs of individually tailored treatment—for instance, scheduling different intervals between visits depending on the patient’s propensity for dental disease, and calling for a complete X-ray survey no more than every three years, unless special circumstances require more frequent examination.
When evaluating candidates, ask about fees for a few common procedures.
Many dentists readily provide such information to potential patients. The table below reports some common procedures and low, average, and high costs quoted by local dentists for them.
Consider asking for a warranty.
Only a few dentists offer written warranties; more should—at least for major restorative work such as bridges and crowns. Even if a dentist won’t provide a written warranty, discuss your expectations and get him or her to agree verbally to replace work that fails much sooner than normal, assuming you care for your teeth properly. Regardless of what agreement you have in advance, don’t hesitate to ask for a free replacement if a restoration doesn’t last it as it should.
Ask about specials and discounts.
Some dentists offer periodic specials on certain procedures to encourage patients who have been putting off dental work to go ahead and get it done. Others advertise low-priced package deals—including examination, cleaning, and X-rays—to attract new patients. To save time and money in collecting unpaid bills, many dentists offer discounts for payment at the time of service. Some offer discounts to special groups, such as seniors, certain professionals, fire and police personnel, students, persons with limited incomes, etc.
Request written treatment plans and estimates in advance.
Almost all dentists will provide estimates for free. Even a modest fee for a written estimate is worthwhile if it helps you avoid an unpleasant surprise after the work is done.
We’ll say it again: Get a second opinion.
Probably the most underused consumer tool in dentistry, a second opinion before a costly procedure can ensure you get appropriate, reasonably priced care. It can also be useful leverage if a dispute arises later. Consult a dentist who is independent of your own, telling him or her in advance that you will not be using him or her for the treatment or procedure. If opinions differ, weigh each dentist’s reasons—and possibly solicit still another opinion.
Getting a written treatment plan and a second opinion protects both your oral health and your wallet. Treatment plans and final bills should itemize costs. Dentists should not make it uncomfortable for you to discuss costs, and they should be willing to work out payment plans or alternative treatments if the costs exceed your means.
If you switch dentists, have the new dentist obtain your records from your previous one.
Doing so may spare you the cost of some procedures. For example, unless your new dentist has a good reason to take new ones, full-mouth X-rays from a previous dentist are usually good for three to five years. Your former dentist is ethically bound to pass along X-rays and other records.
If you have dental insurance, make sure your dentist doesn’t abuse your plan
Insurance benefits vary greatly from policy to policy. For those plans that include dental benefits, it is important for the employees to understand their benefits and protect them from abuse. This may sound fictitious but in reality, this is very easy to do with dental plans because the coding the dentist uses for pricing is very complicated and patients generally don’t understand.
In fact, many dental offices will even ask to review your plan before they treat you and then charge you for the services you are covered for.
This can happen whether you need the service or not, (X-rays, for example, are not necessary every time you visit the dentist and cleanings are not required every 3-4 months).
Brush, Brush, Brush
Good preventive care is by far the best way to save money. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings will help you avoid future expenses for treatment and restorations.
Ask dentists to describe alternative treatments for any condition
Look also for signs of individually tailored treatment—for instance, scheduling different intervals between visits depending on the patient’s propensity for dental disease, and calling for a complete X-ray survey no more than every three years, unless special circumstances require more frequent examination.
When evaluating candidates, ask about fees for a few common procedures.
Many dentists readily provide such information to potential patients. The table below reports some common procedures and low, average, and high costs quoted by local dentists for them.
Consider asking for a warranty.
Only a few dentists offer written warranties; more should—at least for major restorative work such as bridges and crowns. Even if a dentist won’t provide a written warranty, discuss your expectations and get him or her to agree verbally to replace work that fails much sooner than normal, assuming you care for your teeth properly. Regardless of what agreement you have in advance, don’t hesitate to ask for a free replacement if a restoration doesn’t last it as it should.
Ask about specials and discounts.
Some dentists offer periodic specials on certain procedures to encourage patients who have been putting off dental work to go ahead and get it done. Others advertise low-priced package deals—including examination, cleaning, and X-rays—to attract new patients. To save time and money in collecting unpaid bills, many dentists offer discounts for payment at the time of service. Some offer discounts to special groups, such as seniors, certain professionals, fire and police personnel, students, persons with limited incomes, etc.
Request written treatment plans and estimates in advance.
Almost all dentists will provide estimates for free. Even a modest fee for a written estimate is worthwhile if it helps you avoid an unpleasant surprise after the work is done.
We’ll say it again: Get a second opinion.
Probably the most underused consumer tool in dentistry, a second opinion before a costly procedure can ensure you get appropriate, reasonably priced care. It can also be useful leverage if a dispute arises later. Consult a dentist who is independent of your own, telling him or her in advance that you will not be using him or her for the treatment or procedure. If opinions differ, weigh each dentist’s reasons—and possibly solicit still another opinion.
Getting a written treatment plan and a second opinion protects both your oral health and your wallet. Treatment plans and final bills should itemize costs. Dentists should not make it uncomfortable for you to discuss costs, and they should be willing to work out payment plans or alternative treatments if the costs exceed your means.
If you switch dentists, have the new dentist obtain your records from your previous one.
Doing so may spare you the cost of some procedures. For example, unless your new dentist has a good reason to take new ones, full-mouth X-rays from a previous dentist are usually good for three to five years. Your former dentist is ethically bound to pass along X-rays and other records.
If you have dental insurance, make sure your dentist doesn’t abuse your plan
Insurance benefits vary greatly from policy to policy. For those plans that include dental benefits, it is important for the employees to understand their benefits and protect them from abuse. This may sound fictitious but in reality, this is very easy to do with dental plans because the coding the dentist uses for pricing is very complicated and patients generally don’t understand.
In fact, many dental offices will even ask to review your plan before they treat you and then charge you for the services you are covered for.
This can happen whether you need the service or not, (X-rays, for example, are not necessary every time you visit the dentist and cleanings are not required every 3-4 months).
Comments
Post a Comment