Dentists - Complete Scam Artists?

physician > homeopath > osteopath > chiropractor > naturopath > psychologist > pharmacist > dentist

Okay, as for me, there are to unarguable facts about it.

First - dental business bring a lot of money nowadays.

Second - lots of people trying to make it in dental.

That's why it happens - in every niche, where is possible to earn some, there are people who doesn't know a thing about what they doing but they will charge you like high end professionals. It's 21 century, cmon.

Find a decent service like

https://www.dentalspecialists.net/ucsf-dental-center-review/

and stick to it, until it proven the opposite ( not decent)

But dentistry is a high stress profession. Among the professions with the highest rate of suicides. I think air traffic control was another high stress profession.

However, it is pure exaggeration to say "all dentists are scam artists." Going by that logic (erroneous as it may be), it would follow that the same critiques could be thrown at doctors, but fortunately, most of us have met fine dentists and doctors in our lives.

I will stick my neck out and say that maybe less than 10 percent of health professionals could rightfully be labeled 'scam artists.'

Any dentists on this forum ready to weigh in with their thoughts?

Ghost in China

I'm tired of hearing all of this anti-dentite crap.

A good honest dentist is useful just like a good lawyer, mechanic, carpenter, plumber, etc. It's true that many are shady with large dental school loans to pay off.

You cannot brush and floss your teeth as well as a good hygienist can clean your teeth. Every 6 months unless you want dentures.

Legit Dentistry wrote:

A good honest dentist is useful just like a good lawyer, mechanic, carpenter, plumber, etc. It's true that many are shady with large dental school loans to pay off.

You cannot brush and floss your teeth as well as a good hygienist can clean your teeth. Every 6 months unless you want dentures.

And yet, here I am after a lifetime of not flossing and seeing a dentist on the average of about once every five years with no dentures.

Who in their right mind argues about getting dental cleanings? You are all nasty as f and should be ashamed of your childish selves. When/if the dentist suggests something, get a second opinion if you are worried. Otherwise you are just being a giant crybaby with gross dental hygiene.

Pushing 70 wrote:

Legit Dentistry wrote:

A good honest dentist is useful just like a good lawyer, mechanic, carpenter, plumber, etc. It's true that many are shady with large dental school loans to pay off.

You cannot brush and floss your teeth as well as a good hygienist can clean your teeth. Every 6 months unless you want dentures.

And yet, here I am after a lifetime of not flossing and seeing a dentist on the average of about once every five years with no dentures.

Pics? Of your tooth.

I have the same conspiracy theory with optometrists, especially ones where you get your eyes 'tested' in shops. I reckon they laser your eyes each time so your eyes get fked and need a stronger prescription each time, and therefore new new lenses, glasses etc.

Totally agree with the dentists theory too , bunch of con artists.

chipped a tooth several years ago. Soon after I got a mailer from a local dentist for cleaning, exam and x-rays for $89. I decided to go and get my tooth fixed. In the waiting room, there was wall to wall mahogany from floor to ceiling. Even the reception desk was mahogany. I had my teeth cleaned and x-rayed, and the dentist came into the room after for the first time that day. She proceeded to look at my x-rays while looking in my mouth calling of a bunch of letters and numbers to her assistant. I was then told to schedule a follow-up with the receptionist for treatment. the receptionist showed me a treatment plan to fill 17 cavities, in addition to repairing my chipped tooth, which was not scheduled to be done until the last visit. The proposed bill was almost $3K. I told them I wasn't coming back, got a copy of my x-rays and went to another dentist. He said I had one cavity in addition to my chipped tooth. The big difference was he tested my enamel, whereas the first dentist just looked at the x-ray. I told the second dentist my story and he just laughed and said that too many dentists were only in it for the money. So thankful I didn't let them breach the barriers of my healthy enamel by drilling. I will NEVER go to a dentist again for any checks or maintenance. I have my own tarter cleaner and do a great job on my own with an electric tooth brush and water pik.

Sorry I am not a child that needs someone else to clean my teeth.

You should know this already -

It depends on the person, not the profession.

I had a great dentist from childhood to 30.

Honest man. Passed away suddenly a few years ago.

I felt a little sad because he was such a kind, honest and genuine dentist.

I had my wisdom teeth , but he told me not to worry about getting them removed.

He was over 80 when he passed on. I trusted him and never had anything done with my wisdom teeth.

No pain, nothing bothered me.

He passes and a new dentist comes along and inherits all of his patients.

Think about all of the new business he gained.. At no charge!

First time I see him, he's nice, friendly, but tells me I'll need my wisdom teeth out.

2 grand later, they're out, but I think he wanted them out for his pockets. Not my best interests.

RunHarwell wrote:

When I was 22 I was told that if I didn't change my dental patterns, I could lose my teeth by my late 20s.

If you keep going to see dentists, and taking their advice, that is true.