The fee an insurance company pays is so low that the dentist has to cut corner to break even. Get of dentist skimp everyway possible on insurance cases. Get to know one dentist  and ask him if he uses generics. Pay for the real thing.

Generic quality is usually so bad  that the final result is poor. Well done dentistry will be in your mouth for years. When you amortize it out we are talking pennies. Would you believe that a major insurance company has a deal for the dentist to have crows made in CHINA. Ask who, how, where, why, when and any other question you can think of.

If you don’t get a full answer, move on. There are lots of dentists. You have every right to a full, unhurried explanation. And by the way, if you don’t see the same dentist every visit, run, don’t walk.

Back to insurance companies. Can you tell I don’t like them very much? Well why should I. I am trying to save your teeth for a lifetime and they prevent me from doing that. Say you need three cleanings a year. Sorry. There is a “contractual limitation” of two cleanings. Where do they get the right to diagnose your needs. Where did they study dentistry?

Unfortunately you will lose on this one. But look, your dentist does not make money on cleanings, just do it. Periodontal disease is a nasty tooth killer and if you are like me, I like to chew my food. Note, most dentists hate to clean teeth. Find an office with a good dental hygienist. They are the pros here. About 45 minutes to an hour is about right for a complete job.

This blog will be different than many others you have experienced. Over my years as a dentist I have come to know many “secrets” and I am just itching to share them with you. This may be a short lived blog because many people will try to get me to stop. Well, tough guys.

Let’s start with my favorite subject, insurance companies. They couldn’t care less about your dental health. If fact. The less money they spend on you, the bigger will be their new office building. Remember, you pay the premium so you are the boss. An angry call from you is ten times as good as a call from your dentist. Remind them that California Law requires them to pay claims in 30 days.

Always ask for a supervisor immediately. “Sally” knows as much about dental claims as my dog and could care less. Go for the boss. Be sure to names and phone numbers and stay on their back. Believe me, it works. Get the date the claim was sent in. Dental staff hates to do this work and it often is the last thing done.

More next time.

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