One of my readers (Megan, not her real name, but one she chose) is having major work done on her teeth. She is asking your advice.
It’s going to cost an estimated $15K total because she, like me, is having dental implants done. Now her dentist seemed like a swell guy, until it was time to sign off on the treatment plan and pony up $6.5K for the work. Then he kind of had a fit about putting down the deposit before any work could begin. Now readers, do you think paying for half the work before it starts is normal or sketchy? Should my reader find a new dentist or not?
Her financing options are “Care Credit or Capital One Financing”. Neither one of those things mean anything to me because my dentists charged me for each piece of work as it was done. Therefore my “extended payment plan” was based on when I chose to have work done. Because I am choosing to spread out my work over three years, I saved with medical FSA in three tax years and then paid out with a combination of FSA, insurance, and out of pocket.
Personally, I think it’s weird that he’s asking for money upfront when work has not commenced. I can understand the dentist wanting to get paid for his work, but I think she should see another dentist who charges patients as they go rather than ask for a whole honking chunk of money upfront. Seems to me he cares more about his pocket that about the patient’s oral care, but that’s just me and my totally awesome two dentists.
FWIW, the reader also told me her crowns were going to cost $2K each, whereas mine cost between $900 and $1000 each. (Fluctuating by year likely due to the rising price of gold, which is what permanent crowns are made of, even under the porcelain.)
Thanks in advance!
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I would probably see about a second opinion. Get a recommendation from my Primary Care Physician, perhaps, not the dentist. See what the other dentist would charge, ask about payment, etc.
If this guy is making her uncomfortable, than it makes sense that she’d at least look elsewhere.
I agree, I would get get a second opinion. I have never had a dentist asking for payment before hand.
I’d be suspicious as to what quality of work i’m getting from a dentist who is so afraid he won’t get paid for his services.
Wow the work seems very high priced. I would get a second opinion. I need to have dental work in the tune of $5k done and they expect me to pay as each piece of work is done, not in advance. No pre-payments which makes me suspicious. Maybe this dentist has been scammed in the past & has had to write off some very high dental work from patients who didn’t pay so he’s trying to protect himself but requiring pre-payment. I’d go somewhere else, too many bells ringing for me–high prices, pre-payment required and being uncomfortable w/the dentist.
Agree!! She has to get a second opinion.15K is not a small amount.
if “Megan” feels uncomfortable that should be all the information she needs to seek out a second opinion. And have her read Gavin de Becker’s Gift of Fear.
She should for sure get a second opinion.
I have a family member that works for a small dentist, and I know WAY more about the dental industry than I care to.
Dental care can vary greatly from dentist to dentist, and the highest prices don’t always equate to the greatest care. Dentists are not typically businessmen, they are medical professionals, but are trying to run a business. As such, their pricing and accounts receivable practices can be all over the place.
This dentist may be concerned about Megan’s ability to pay, have had recent bad experiences with a customer, or is just leaving his wife and needs a little extra cash.
Talking to another doctor is ALWAYS a good idea. Personally, if I were her dentist, asking for 1/2 up front would be a good idea. A 15K treatment plan is a lot to get stuck with, a dentist can’t exactly hold your mouth hostage until you pay up.
I agree 15K does sound like a huge amount, I think my doctor currently charges around $600-$700 for crowns.
I agree that dentists are in the business to make money. If he felt she was unable to ultimately pay, he might be feeling wary about performing expensive service for payment that may never come.
I know lawyers, particularly solo practitioners do the same thing. I wouldn’t take on a client unless I knew the person had the means or appropriate financing to pay.
-Raymond
I cannot imagine my awesome dentist demanding $6500 upfront. And I just had a crown replaced earlier this year. In fact, he’s told me I need a new crown in each quadrant but is letting me decide when to have them put in and hasn’t uttered a peep about me paying for them ahead of time. I do have good insurance, but I’m 99.99% certain my dentist didn’t look at my billing info before telling me what work I need to have done in the next year or two. I definitely think Megan should find a new dentist.
This story does remind me an experience I had when I first started working. At the time, I only had a dental HMO option, so I picked one near my home and showed up for my first appointment. I was told they would only take x-rays and that I would have to make another appointment for a cleaning. I got up, left and never went back. For the next year or so, I went to my wonderful, previously-mentioned dentist and paid $70 out of pocket for cleanings, until I finally got a PPO option at work. It was worth the out of pocket expense to avoid the shady HMO dentist.
I’ve typically paid in installments at the time the work was done (and its usually done in installments).
however, if its done at one time, he may want to get paid upfront. maybe he’s had a bad experience with clients.
but get the 2nd opinion.
MG & all her wonderful readers,
Thank you for the feedback and for taking the time to offer it up
I am so appreciative of MapGirl’s help, and the numerous “discussions” we’ve had off-line. She helped get my butt back into a dentist’s chair after 15 years and is encouraging me pretty much every step of the way as I attempt to fix my mouth. I am going to finish my root canals tomorrow with my Endodontist, and then I’m going to ask him for a referral to a new Cosmetic Dentist. Thanks again to everyone who responded — you truly don’t know how much it means to me!!
I fully recommend Capital One – as much as I hate the thought of going into debt for my teeth, I had to, and it was Capital One who ponied up the dough so I could get the work done. Their people are great with customer service, I was able to pay it off early, and I got a low interest rate out of the deal. tell “Megan” good luck for us!
Is there a dental school nearby? That will greatly reduce the amount Megan has to pay. My parents chose that route for my younger brother’s orthodontia. While it will take longer (the work is performed by senior students being supervised by an instructor) but the trade off may be worth it if money is an issue.
I *just* saw my dentist yesterday and am having a root canal tomorrow. Surprisingly, I also was asked to make a down payment, but it’s only $200. I assume it’s because dental insurance is typically so haphazard? However, 1/2 seems waaay too steep. Besides HSAs, does anyone else have any good tips for paying for dental work? payment plans?
GeckoGirl – I did suggest that, but many dental schools are shutting down and there aren’t that many. Northwestern shut theirs down a few years ago.
Having a financial plan is essential. It can help you eliminate your debt, save for the things you truly want and prepare for a comfortable Business.Budgeting simply helps you to see how and where you spend your money. It also can provide you with a guideline on how to spend your money in order to get the things you really want.