DETECTING DENTAL DECEPTION

Based on information in International DAMS Newsletter, Winter/Spring 1997

When visiting the dentist, most of us probably trust that we are being given good advice and treated fairly, but considering the results of a recent investigation, sometimes our trust might be misplaced. Armed with his dental X-rays, investigative reporter William Edenbarger visited 50 dentists in 28 states and the District of Columbia and asked them what dental work he needed. To his surprise, he received estimates for dental work that ranged from under $500 all the way up to $29,850. Before conducting the investigation, Edenbarger had obtained the opinion of a panel of several dentists who had no financial interest in his teeth, and they concluded that the dental work required should not exceed $1,500. The members of the panel all agreed that he needed a crown on tooth #30, but that a crown on tooth #18 was debatable. In contrast, of the 50 dentists visited in the survey, one recommended 21 crowns and six veneers, and 15 dentists missed the fact that tooth #30 needed a crown. Only 12 of the dentists suggested work that was substantially in line with the panel. According to one dental expert, these findings are "disturbing." Another said that people might want to get second and third opinions to insure proper dental care and fair pricing. But considering that Edenbarger only received 12 good recommendations out of 50, getting a couple extra opinions may not make much difference. Americans pay about $42 billion a year to take care of their teeth. In 1994, the average income for dentists in private practice was $117,610.

Excerpted from Spectrum Magazine as posted on http://www.garynull.com/Documents/Spectrum/detecting_dental_deception.htm

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