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emmalue asked in HealthDental · 1 decade ago

Preciousp: a question about Ameriplan?

You wrote: "Recently I went to dentist and had x-rays, teeth cleaning and some polishing, my total bill came out to $197 but I only paid $59..."

If this is true (and I highly doubt it is) this dentist paid YOU to come in. Hygienists earn between $36 and $45 an hour, an exam by the doctor costs the practice, instruments had to be sterilized (I hope), x-ray film used and developed. If your visit lasted an hour - as any decent checkup should - the cost to the practice was at least $175 and probably more like $250.

What dentist would accept $59, when it costs them more than that to have you in their chair?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Although I do not agree with this concept, as you well know, some "plans" arrange a deal with the dentist to accept below cost on the cleaning, x-ray and examination visit. The plans do this on the premise that it is worth it to the dentist to get the hot prospect into the office so you can find stuff to make money on. It's like the "free brake inspection" at Midas. They do it for free, hoping to find out that you need new brakes. And, by the way, did you see that hole in the front end of your catalytic converter???

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