this post was submitted on 30 Nov 2024
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Privilege is blinding. The dentist can't fathom how a "normal" person they are speaking to couldn't afford to go to a dentist. It doesn't even register. The dentist then must assume it was pure laziness or apathy.
And yet they're still a working class wage slave.
Probably more like petite bourgeois. But still more in common with the person in the chair than the actual bourgeois .
A lot of Dentist retire by 50. They are not exactly wage slaves but I get what you are saying.
Well yes. Certainly they're near the top of the bottom.
It is laziness or apathy. If for 30 years you were unable to spare $100 for a single checkup, then you are either sick or suck at managing money. And if you still can't afford that for 30 years, there are organisations that will do it for free - you just need to reach out to them.
Being unable to put aside $100 for a year, year and a half - sure. Being unable to put aside $100 for thirty years? Yeah, nah.
It's not the cost of the checkup I worried about. It was the cost of fixing any problems they find. At that point why bother getting the checkup if I can't afford that?
Not that it helps people who literally can't afford it... But dental "checkups" are primarily about doing the cleaning, which is for preventing issues before they get that big. Identifying existing issues is secondary, but the regular dental appointment is doing more actual work than your typical physical examination.
Which is why most dental plans cover regular cleanings entirely, but you need to pay out of pocket for any other work you want. They would rather pay the entire cleaning bill every 6 months than pay part of your root canal once.
It really is expensive to be poor
Regular checkups help prevent issues popping up. Also, you not knowing about those issues doesn't make them go away. And some can cause you to become sick. Dentistry isn't just for looks.
Cool. Not being able to pay for the repair doesn't make them go away either.
Completely ignored the "checkups help prevent issues". Also, you might catch something that is about to kill you or incapacutate you.
Nearly 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/living-paycheck-to-paycheck-statistics-2024/), and lots of those struggle to cover their standard expenses. Getting your teeth checked doesn't help you stay in paying work. If you manage to save a few hundred you're probably going to spend it on that house or car repair that you've been needing for months, or some new clothes for your kids.
In addition to the other reasons, there is also the worry of surprise charges. You'll go in for a $100 checkup, only to find a bunch of other "standard" fees and services tacked on at the end. They'll act like this is normal, and you're weird for asking how much it costs up front.
This is twice as bad at the doctor than at the dentist.
Weak argument. You just ask them upfront for the cost or at least brackets. They can act however they want after adding to that cost. You asked upfront, were given the amount and that's what you can pay. Otherwise all you are doing is letting peer pressure drive your actions. Also, a fear of surprise charges is about as much of an excuse as anything else. You are risking a lot by not doing a checkup in so many years, and "surprise charges" isn't a reason to not do it.
Have you ever actually tried this? They often don't even know the brackets up front.
Never had that issue.
So when you asked for a full quote up front, they gave it to you?
Yes
Apparently my standards for dentists have been too low, thanks for the info.