Dental procedures are expensive as it is, why would you think of increasing the prices. I know that means more for the dentist's bottom line but come on prices in this country are really getting out of hand it's ridiculous.
I realize that many people feel they are priced out of dental care, and this is an issue that certainly needs to be addressed. But I do feel Gavin has a point.
Compared to any other procedure-based healthcare field, dentistry is an absolute bargain. If a procedure is performed by an MD that requires anything more than the most basic equipment, the patient will pay for the doctor's consult, the doctor's fee for the procedure, and a fee for use of the operatory clinic or hospital. Dentists generally provide their expertise and the use of their equipment/operatories for free.
Some might argue that equipment costs are covered in the fee for the procedure, but MDs charge similar fees simply for providing only the service. No $300,000 investment risk required on the doctor's part. However, if the physician
does choose to venture his capital and purchase the necessary equipment/clinic space, he will be further compensated for this.
Considering that dentists play a dual role as doctors and entrepeneurs --both of which are highly desired and highly compensated skills in our society-- dentistry is a bargain.
But probably the biggest reason to rethink traditional billing is the increase in preventive care that will presumably be provided by the profession in the future. Ideally, more and more time will be spent by dentists providing expertise and increasingly less time with a handpiece. I actually hope I don't see this so much in my lifetime - I signed up to drill, baby!
🙂 - but it
is the ultimate goal of our profession.
