Many patients take it for granted that as health care providers, dentists are supposed to have their best interests at heart. However, amid the rise of corporate dentistry and the incentive-driven treatment environment, a small number of dentists have begun to emphasize their profits over the well-being of their patients.
At the practice of Dr. Tom Rohdy, we want to help patients understand when they are being taken advantage of, and have made this guide to help you understand the signs of a dentist abusing your trust. Consider the following when visiting the dentist:
Overuse of Arestin
Arestin is a type of antibiotic that is often used after periodontal cleanings. While generally beneficial for patients in need of the extra support for their gum health, it can be abused by dentists looking to tack on additional charges for a treatment. One of the easiest signs to tell if Arestin is being overused after a deep cleaning is if your dentist suggests the antibiotic be used on the same day as the cleaning itself.
Arestin should be used only after a few weeks, or even months, have passed since your periodontal cleaning. The cleaning itself should have taken care of any gingival disease, and if the site has not completely healed, Arestin is applied to help make patients healthier once more. This antibiotic should also only be used at less than six sites during a single visit. If you have doubts, speak with your dentist, and they should be willing to provide you with a thorough explanation as to why this addition is necessary.
First-Time Visit Incentives
There is nothing bad about a dental practice that is in-network with dental insurance providers. These connections often help new patients determine a new dental practice to visit and allow dentists to provide affordable care to their patients. However, some professionals overuse these connections and attempt to drive patients to their office so they can prescribe lucrative treatment plans.
One of the signs that dentists are looking to unethically make money off their patients are excessive first-time visit incentives. Advertising campaigns such as a free first cleaning, or free whitening for life can indicate that a dentist will hope to generate revenue by using extensive care later. This should not be taken to mean that all such incentives are always a warning sign, however, patients would be better served by asking questions during a visit to such a dentist who states that they will need extensive restorative or reconstructive care.
Feel Comfortable Asking Questions
If you are looking for an environment where questions are encouraged and the doctor cares for his patients, contact us today. Our Auburn dentist treats our patients like family, and we work to make them feel comfortable however we can.
Call or email our practice today to schedule your next appointment at our pressure-free practice.