Commercial dentistry?
The other day, I went to the dentist for the first time in about 8 years. What struck me (other than relief that all my teeth were still in excellent condition) was the commercialization of the industry.
First of all, there were the obvious signs, such as the free Crest brand samples of floss and toothpaste I was given, and the prominent Oral B electric toothbrush display on the shelf in front of the chair. But even the fact that the dentist says you should come in every year for a check-up smacks of commercialism.
No doctor has ever said that I should come in every year just to make sure everything is okay. Are my teeth more important than the rest of my body? Obviously I don't need a dental check-up every year, because I've had two in the last ten years, and everything's been fine. My wife hadn't been to the dentist in a few years either, and her teeth were also fine. I can't imagine that dentists actually care enough about everyone's teeth to spend the time and resources making absolutely sure that everyone's teeth are in great condition every year.
The only logical conclusion, therefore, is that these yearly check-ups are a good way for dentists to make money.
First of all, there were the obvious signs, such as the free Crest brand samples of floss and toothpaste I was given, and the prominent Oral B electric toothbrush display on the shelf in front of the chair. But even the fact that the dentist says you should come in every year for a check-up smacks of commercialism.
No doctor has ever said that I should come in every year just to make sure everything is okay. Are my teeth more important than the rest of my body? Obviously I don't need a dental check-up every year, because I've had two in the last ten years, and everything's been fine. My wife hadn't been to the dentist in a few years either, and her teeth were also fine. I can't imagine that dentists actually care enough about everyone's teeth to spend the time and resources making absolutely sure that everyone's teeth are in great condition every year.
The only logical conclusion, therefore, is that these yearly check-ups are a good way for dentists to make money.
Labels: Personal philosophy
posted by Jeffrey Stuart Martin on Monday, February 26, 2007
2 Comments:
interesting - I've never been to a different dentist, so perhaps I'm biased having spent my whole life there....I've always been told though, that yearly check-ups and cleanings are good. (I've also heard 6 months recommended, but that seems ridiculous to me unless you have bad teeth or don't brush) I think the yearly cleaning is partly to ensure that your teeth stay clean - they clean off the accumulated plaque so you don't end up with cavities later. Perhaps it's more often than necessary for those of us lucky to have genetically strong teeth, but i'll keep going, since the only cavity I've ever had was caught at the dentist check-up early, so it never hurt and I didn't even need anesthesia for the filling...that's a good thing in my book. I'll sign on for the commercial promotion, though I don't think it's any different than doctors getting sample medications. There are ethical issues involved, but it also allows doctors/dentists to give some needed things away free. (I've gotten free "sample" medications from the doctor quite a few times instead of having to pay for the same prescription.) Ok, too long....
I agree with LR that the dentists receive those free samples in the same way that doctors do - companies trying to "court" dentists with their products. I feel lucky enough to have preventive dental coverage provided to me with my health insurance, and I've always been told that going to the dentist 2x/yr is good to keep tabs on things, because there are LOTS of people with bad teeth (I'm not one of them). I think in general people don't take great care of their teeth, and the more they can keep them cleaned regularly, the more likely it is that they won't have to get dentures in order to eat solid foods once they pass 50 years old. I just learned about my first non-cavity that has to get a filling (Friday, yikes!), and it's only because my dentist has been watching what appears to be simply an abnormal tooth development (from its start) over the past year. I enjoy the clean feeling after a dentist visit - and I don't think it would be a bad idea if people went to the doctor more regularly, too, for preventive health measures (as opposed to drastic/ catastrophic "fix it" visits when you start hurting or looking funny)!
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