Is my dentist scamming me?
3Digest
This podcast delves into the complex world of dentistry, addressing concerns about potential scams, the financial incentives in the field, and the historical separation of dentistry and medicine. The host, John Flunhill, begins by sharing a listener's story about feeling pressured into unnecessary dental procedures, highlighting the lack of transparency and trust in the industry. He then interviews Lisa Simon, a dentist and internal medicine physician, who sheds light on the historical separation of dentistry and medicine, emphasizing the negative impact on patient care due to a lack of information sharing and a feeling of judgment from patients. The conversation explores the financial incentives that can influence dental practices, with Lisa explaining that dentists in private practice are often incentivized to perform more procedures, potentially creating a conflict of interest with patients seeking preventative care. The episode also examines the cost of dental care and the limitations of dental insurance, highlighting that while insurance can be expensive for individuals, the overall cost of dentistry is relatively low compared to other healthcare expenses. John then interviews Mary Otto, a journalist who has written extensively about oral health, who shares the tragic story of Diamante Driver, a young boy who died from a dental infection that spread to his brain. This story underscores the consequences of the separation of dentistry and medicine, particularly for low-income communities. Mary traces the historical roots of this separation back to the 19th century when dentists were initially excluded from medical schools. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the future of dentistry and medicine, exploring the possibility of merging the two fields. Lisa acknowledges the challenges, including inertia, lobbying efforts, and the lack of integration between the two systems, but expresses hope for a future where dental care is more integrated into the overall healthcare system, leading to improved patient outcomes and a more holistic approach to health. The episode provides practical advice for patients, emphasizing the importance of finding a provider they trust, asking questions, seeking second opinions, and considering alternative care options.
Outlines
Dental Care: A History of Separation and the Potential for Integration
This podcast explores the historical separation of dentistry and medicine, its impact on patient care, and the potential for a more integrated future, offering practical advice for navigating dental care.
Patient Concerns and the Feeling of Being Scammed
The podcast begins with a listener's story about feeling pressured into unnecessary dental procedures, highlighting the lack of transparency and trust in the industry.
The Impact of Separation on Patient Care
The podcast features an interview with Lisa Simon, a dentist and internal medicine physician, who discusses the historical separation of dentistry and medicine and its negative impact on patient care due to a lack of information sharing and a feeling of judgment from patients.
The Historical Roots of Separation
The podcast explores the historical roots of the separation of dentistry and medicine, tracing it back to the 19th century when dentists were initially excluded from medical schools.
The Future of Dentistry and Medicine
The podcast discusses the possibility of merging dentistry and medicine, acknowledging the challenges but expressing hope for a future where dental care is more integrated into the overall healthcare system.
Keywords
Dental Scam
A situation where a dentist recommends unnecessary procedures or charges excessive fees for services, often exploiting patients' lack of dental knowledge.
Dental Insurance
A type of insurance that covers dental care, but often has limitations and high out-of-pocket costs for complex procedures. It's often more of a discount plan than true insurance.
Oral Health
The overall health of the mouth, including teeth, gums, and tongue. It's an essential part of overall health and can impact other aspects of the body.
Dental Care Access
The ability to obtain dental care, which can be limited by factors such as cost, insurance coverage, and availability of providers.
Integration of Dentistry and Medicine
The process of merging dentistry and medicine into a single, integrated healthcare system, which could improve patient outcomes and reduce disparities in care.
Patient Advocacy
The act of speaking up for patients' rights and needs, particularly in situations where they may be vulnerable or lack access to quality care.
Community Health Centers
Healthcare facilities that provide comprehensive medical and dental care to underserved communities, often at a lower cost than private practices.
Dental School Clinics
Clinics operated by dental schools, where students provide care under the supervision of faculty. These clinics often offer affordable care and a focus on education and public health.
Q&A
Why does going to the dentist sometimes feel like a scam?
The feeling of being scammed at the dentist can stem from a combination of factors, including the historical separation of dentistry and medicine, the financial incentives for dentists to perform procedures, and the limitations of dental insurance.
How did dentistry and medicine become so separate?
The separation of dentistry and medicine dates back to the 19th century when dentists were initially excluded from medical schools. This historical quirk has led to a lack of integration between the two fields, resulting in different insurance systems, coding languages, and approaches to care.
What can patients do if they are unsure about a diagnosis or feel pressured by their dentist?
Patients should find a provider they trust and feel comfortable asking questions. They can also seek second opinions and consider alternative care options like community health centers or dental school clinics. If they feel they are being scammed, they can report the provider to the dental licensing board or their insurance company.
Show Notes
Matt wants to know how to tell if he’s being scammed by his dentist. To find the answer, we open up the surprising history of dentistry, ask why it seems so different from internal medicine, and drill down on why dental insurance doesn’t really feel like insurance. Host Jonquilyn Hill talks with journalist Mary Otto and Dr. Lisa Simon, DMD, MD, to find the answers.
We want to hear your questions. Call us at 1-800-618-8545, or email us at askvox@vox.com
Extra reading:
Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America
Dental Use and Spending in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare, 2010-2021 | Health Policy
Credits:
Jonquilyn Hill, host
Sofi LaLonde, producer
Andrea Kristinsdottir and Cristian Ayala, engineers
Carla Javier, supervising producer
Katherine Wells, editor
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