Why don't / won't dentist post their prices?

[toofache32]

Don't forget that some dentists will add an "ibuprofen fee" if the patient is difficult and expected to give headaches to the dentist.

[bande1102]

I don't have dental insurance. I've never had a problem getting prices in advance of treatment. However, I can't get a quote until I've been examined and the dentist knows exactly what I need.

I don't know if you are intending to shop around, but I certainly wouldn't. I have done this before and here's what happens: a dentist can't give you an exact quote until he/she examines you. So you're gonna have to pay an exam fee. Fees are also related to skill and experience. Better dentists charge higher fees. Trust me on this, you definitely want to pay for a more skilled dentist.

One time, I went to the only dentist I could afford (the ones with cheapest fees) for a crown. What a nightmare. Picking a dentist based on price ended up in lots of pain over several years, thousands of dollars, a nasty infection, and losing the tooth anyway. I will never do this again. Paying a little more money up front would have saved me so much in terms of my health, time, and money. I also believe I could've saved my tooth.

I have a great dentist now. She's a professor at the state university dental school, great reviews, etc. I called her office said I wanted to come in and explained I didn't have insurance. They offered me a new patient special (cleaning + exam + bitewings) for $50. They then created a treatment plan for me along with a time table (went from something that needed to be addressed now to things that can probably wait for 6 months to something to do within 5 years, etc) and prioritized everything for me (this is critical, this is important, this is cosmetic).

I choose what I want to do, the office gives me a written estimate, payment plan options, etc and I'm good to go.

[toofache32]

Originally Posted by toofache32

This is common and this is how it works if you go out of network. You pay the dentist in full up front and it's your job to get reimbursed from YOUR insurance company.

Oops wrong post.

[echo99]

You seem to be an ibuprofen dentist.

[toofache32]

Yes I am.

[smilesatgalleria]

Their may be one of the reason of making client mentally set that this doctor is very costly or may not this type of conclusion makes clients when they see the prizes.