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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Dental expenses were among the highest out-of-pocket health expenditures for U.S. consumers in 2008, researchers say.
Study author Paul Glassman, a dentist and director of the Pacific Center for Special Care at University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, said the Bureau of Labor Statistics found out-of-pocket dental expenses cost consumers $30.7 billion -- 22.2 percent of total out-of-pocket health expenditures.
The study found 37 percent of African-American children, 41 percent of Hispanic children and 25 percent of white children have untreated tooth decay.
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I can beleive it. We've got great insurance, a health benefit savings plan and make good money - and still had to budget for some needed dental work (implants and deep cleanings)
I can beleive it. We've got great insurance, a health benefit savings plan and make good money - and still had to budget for some needed dental work (implants and deep cleanings)
I'm on disability, and so have no way at all to get dental work done.
For years I couldn't afford dental work. I only went when the pain of an extremely bad tooth forced me to. I recently started a new job and the dental pays 100% for most procedures and 80% for the more complicated ones. My company also fully funds a Health Reimbursement Account at $1,000 a year. Unfortunately, this has come too late and I've had 9 extractions already (and a few root canals over the past several years). I am currently getting lots of work done on my remaining teeth (fillings and root canals). I will have to get partial dentures eventually. All this due to the cost of dental work!
Seniors also need dental care, not just kids. Dental work doesn't last a lifetime so when fillings or caps need to be replaced, it is too expensive for people not only on disability, but also social security. I'll bet the lastest batch of candidates wouldn't tolerate their own dental pain for long but they don't care about others.
Sadly, there are some dentists who take advantage of seniors and charge them high prices for unnecessary work.
For those who already have problems, there are companies that will let you charge the procedure and pay for it over time. Ask your dentist.
That's all well and good advice but the fact is that many people like me have a genetic predisposition to bad teeth. Dentists are not going out of business anytime soon, I'm afraid.
Seniors also need dental care, not just kids. Dental work doesn't last a lifetime so when fillings or caps need to be replaced, it is too expensive for people not only on disability, but also social security. I'll bet the lastest batch of candidates wouldn't tolerate their own dental pain for long but they don't care about others.
Sadly, there are some dentists who take advantage of seniors and charge them high prices for unnecessary work.
There are good, competent, ethical dentists out there. If you need something expensive, get a second opinion. Make sure you understand what you are having done, why it is felt to be necessary, and how much it will cost.
If you anticipate having problems, then consider paying for dental insurance. There may be a waiting period, but in the long run you may come out ahead.
It would help if the people behind Medicare would take into consideration the other health benefits from having access to dental care. However, it will have to be paid for, and premiums would need to go up.
That's all well and good advice but the fact is that many people like me have a genetic predisposition to bad teeth. Dentists are not going out of business anytime soon, I'm afraid.
If you have a genetic predisposition to problems that does not mean that it is not worthwhile to do the things I mentioned. In fact, it is even more important. Your children and grandchildren should realize that, too.
It means you really have to pay attention to hygiene, it is imperative that you not smoke, and you should discuss with your dentist whether there is anything else you need to do, such as using an antibacterial mouthwash.
If you have a genetic predisposition to problems that does not mean that it is not worthwhile to do the things I mentioned. In fact, it is even more important. Your children and grandchildren should realize that, too.
It means you really have to pay attention to hygiene, it is imperative that you not smoke, and you should discuss with your dentist whether there is anything else you need to do, such as using an antibacterial mouthwash.
I am aware of these things, and wasn't suggesting that it isn't worthwhile to do them. My point is that even good dental hygiene cannot trump genetics. And I have discussed these things with my dentist when I was able to afford one. But I'm like the millions of people in this country who cannot afford yet need dental work.
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