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Home > Another Denti$t visit

Another Denti$t visit

February 21st, 2008 at 05:21 am

This afternoon I had the tooth which was root canaled a couple weeks ago get built up and have a temporary crown put on.

Since all but about $300 of my yearly dental insurance cap has already been used, I had the wonderful priveledge of dropping $832 in payment.

In two weeks I go back to get my permenant crown.

I like my dentist, but I kind of wish she'd get a clue.

Each time I've had an appointment with her she's mentioned to me that she'd love to do a tooth whitening treatment on me and that she'd love to close up a gap between two of my teeth. Each time I've told her I'm not interested.

AGAIN today AFTER discussing how much the root canal cost me ($650) and discussing how much I'll have to pay for the crown ($832) and seeing me cringe at parting with that much money - she again mentions about the teeth whitening, etc.

So I tell her that right now I am trying to spend money on only ESSENTIAL and necessary items - and that neither of those things fall in that category. I also told her that I'm saving up for a house downpayment. She misunderstood and thought I was looking at buying a house *right now*. I explained to her that no, I'm looking at more like 3 or more years down the road.

She told me I sure do long term planning.
Yes, I am trying to. I didn't say this to her - but I also probably would never spend the money on either of those things even if I had MORE than enough for everything I want.

I really hope she doesn't bring it up again on my next visit. I really like her and the office, not to mention the fact it's in the same office building as my company. So I'd really hate to have to find a new dentist.

10 Responses to “Another Denti$t visit”

  1. debtfreeme Says:
    1203572559

    Sorry about the visit to the Dentist.

    If she does during the next visit have the front office person put a note in your file: does not want to be offered extra services like teeth whitening and/or orthodontia. Please do not ask.

    I did that with a dentist I went to for a couple of cleaning. The note was placed, so she brought it up again. I felt she kept pressuring me, I eventually told her; in front of her staff that I was going back to my old dentist even if it meant a 45 minutes drive each way because I did not like her business tactics. That is the only time I have strayed from my dentist in 20 years. I told him and he said that she either was receiving a discount on specific products whenever she sold them or was really not making it.

    I really love my dentist and feel great that there is no pressure to buy anything. Just a small sign: if you have questions about additional services we provide or products you see, please ask your hygienist. That is it. I love his office.

  2. Todd the Bod Says:
    1203576845

    Not sure if all dentists do this but mine is also big on pushing extra procedures. Makes me wonder if half the things they do on me are really needed to begin with.

  3. mom-sense Says:
    1203606949


    If you like your dentist, I wouldn't leave simply because she is bringing up the whitening. I say this because DH had a cavity that was drilled too far down and he had to immediately have a root canal (I think two weeks later on the same tooth, kind of suspicious). We switched dentists after that (to a friend of ours, no less) and because this guy is in practice for himself and his wife is the hygienist (spelling), they offer everything (without pressure) and I figure he probably is trying to make some extra money on us, but he's been a good dentist and it is just part of his "shpeel" ...

  4. monkeymama Says:
    1203607541

    That's what's wrong with our society now. That people think it is weird to plan 3 years + to buy a house. ???? Seems quit reasonable. Since when do you just wake up one day and buy a house? (Oh yes, since ARMs, and 0% down I guess).

    I would be inclined to switch dentists. How annoying. Though I agree if she is good otherwise, might be worth the pain. I drive 4 hours round trip to see my trusted dentist. Not a lot of good experiences otherwise.

  5. boomeyers Says:
    1203619983

    We had a dentist just like that. Always trying to sell the extras. But they will try EVERYTIME regardless. I don't think they remember what they have tried to sell you that last time, they just perputually try again! Ugh!

  6. luxlivingfrugalis Says:
    1203632357

    OUCH on all kinds of levels!!

    I had one of those expensive dentists. I changed and started going to Hubster's much less expensive guy!

    I would certainly at least ask for it be noted to not try to sell me anymore. If it keeps happening after that? Well, I'd probably move on...the annoyance of my wishes being discounted repeatedly would probably compel me to seek assistance elsewhere.

    3 years out to preplan a house buy? Not unreasonable at all!! Some people plan such a purchase for 20 years!!

  7. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1203644659

    Thanks everyone for your comments! I think when I see her again for my crown, that I will ask her to make a note in my files that I don't want to be offered anything that isn't *completely necessary*. She really is quite good, and quite convenient . . so I guess I can put up with a little annoyance once in awhile. Smile

  8. dcf Says:
    1203653764

    If you don't have a financial software program you might want to try Moneydance (http://moneydance.com/). Is is about $30.00 but lets you conduct 100 transactions before you have to pay to continue using - it is excellent. I switched from one I had been using for over 12 years because it had not been updated to new operating systems. I use it to project income and expenses several weeks in advance, thereby allowing me plan how to manipulate my current and future funds - I always know how much money I have or will have a few weeks in advance

  9. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1203654167

    Thanks for the recommendation. I use you need a budget - YNAB and absolutely love it. It totally fits with my thinking/reasoning of living one-month behind - or in other words, spending what you made in January in February. This past weekend I used it to project out through 2009 to get an idea of how long it would take me to complete my 3 major financial goals - finish funding my EF, fund my car replacement fund, and save for a downpayment. As far as I could figure (without knowing future finances completely) I should have all 3 goals accomplished in about 3 - 4 years.

  10. luxlivingfrugalis Says:
    1203688624

    That is so exciting!!! Praying that your projections go smooth as planned!

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