Why is good dentistry so expensive?
Dentists must build, equip and maintain individual high tech facilities and must recruit, train and pay a full staff. On the other hand, most MDs use their offices mainly for examinations and do their high tech or surgical procedures at hospitals that are supported by state, federal and private funds. Hospitals also provide and pay for a full range of ancillary personnel and services. Finally, while insurance covers all or most common medical fees for service, dental insurance is very limited, covering basic procedures only and rejecting more sophisticated services such as implants and porcelain laminates.
