The dental profession really ticks me off

[Stargazer99]

20% of American citizens have serious dental problems (remember the child that died from an infected tooth?). The services are finding 20% of potential enlisted have dental problems. One wife of a dentist wrote to the editor page saying it was unfair to expect a dentist perform services lower than the usual charges or free to the poor. This out of someone with a nice home, insurance, a car and plenty to eat. The dental association could have each member take turns performing services with the city or county footing the materials used. Dentist are part of an economic system that benefits them and that system shuts out some people. Basic decency would see to it that people do not suffer from lack of care. But with Repub/Cons decency is something you don't have to bother with. The state of Washington has no longer helped low income people with dental work. The only option is pulling all your teeth or the problem tooth. Only the monied survive in this nation...the rest of us can go to hell. And yes, I volunteer to low income in another paid area and I don't have a home, car, medical/dental insurance. If I can care enough to volunteer it seems rather crass you that have you basic needs met and then some could not get off your self-centered high horse and start doing something good in this nation. I'm not talking to those dentist who service in low-income communities with state and county. I'm talking to those who think they are being put upon by volunteering their services. Angry, you bet, the dental association has consistently refused to aid those most helpless because it would harm their income,poor bablies!

[terisan]

1. Dentist in one small town in GA did complete free dental care for Vet denied by VA

the impulse is there on the part of many, possibly need more organization.

[suziedemocrat]

2. Sometimes they OVER-TREAT patients.

I was conned into getting a root-canal and crown, when I'm pretty certain (now) that all I needed was a cavity replaced.

My dentist bragged about his new Mercedes with one breath and then told me "we don't really do many fillings anymore, root canals are our bread and butter." I wanted to sock him.

But....this toothpaste is awesome - and I'm hoping it will kepp me away from those money-sucking jerks for a while.

Jason Sea Fresh Plus CoQ10 Fluoride Gel Toothpaste
http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Fluoride-Toothpaste-Spearmint-6-Ounce/dp/B000FTYF5C

[soothsayer]

6. Thanks! Just ordered your TP from Amazon, even tho I'm anti-fluoride

[suziedemocrat]

7. They have a floride free version.

I personally don't like it as well, but you might like it better.

http://www.amazon.com/JASON-Natural-All-Natural-Sea-Sourced-Toothpaste/dp/B000V6ZKQ2/ref=sr_1_3/102-1753838-3693726?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1191778411&sr=8-3

[etherealtruth]

3. I can only speak for my dentist (and friend) ...

He does plenty of pro bono work ... more than most people in other professions.

he does make a decent a living, but he also slogged through years of school and has worked tireless hours in order for his practice to thrive. The issue isn't with dentists ...its that way we fund health-care in this country.

By the way, he's a very loyal democrat.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. I think it's an individual practitioner's choice and the dedication to patients of little means.

My father was a cardiologist/internist who technically "charged" all patients, but with regard to those few patients with little means to pay (mostly an elderly clientele), he quietly wrote off their invoices, to the indignant cries of his bookkeeper.

As an attorney with a part time private practice, a majority of my clients are people who also can't pay me what I've earned for representing them in municipal court. They'll give me $50 with the promise of they'll pay me when they get some money, with both of us knowing that I've been paid in full. And I have no problem with this arrangement. I've helped people get back on their feet with favorable outcomes in court. Sort of nontangible payment.

To address the original thread, I agree that if one's profession provides you (excuse the alliteration) with sufficient profit, you can make allowances for certain patients. But it's still a personal choice when you come down to it.

[Stargazer99]

10. Personal choice doesn't help those who need it

This is why government needs to get involved with dental and medical care for the low income. There are a few who do volunteer work...but why should the burden be put on the dencent? If the economic system allows you more than survival you need to return something back to your society.I might add as long as it isn't you or yours in pain and embarrasement you can justify personal choice? Sounds like a Republican....who is able to pull out from the monetary system basic needs.

[ripple]

5. Agreed, but this shouldn't be posted in the GD Politics forum. n/t

[Stargazer99]

12. This is a political thing.....how do you think these services

to the poor are cut?

[valerief]

8. Or maybe some of those faith-based millions doled out could go to charity dental work.

What would you rather see? Nice teeth or some mega-paid loon ranting on abstinence?

[pop goes the weasel]

9. the real problem is medicare/medicaid

As part of budget cutting, dental and vision services for those programs have been eliminated. This is really very foolish since those are low-cost services that keep people from needing high-cost medical care later.

[Stargazer99]

11. Now here is someone with smarts....

You either take care of the problem while it is not huge or cut the services and the medical/dental problems get more expensive...or you jus consign the low income to hell and pain. Saving a penny to spend a dollar in the future or just write off those least able to help themselves in the monetary system.

[Progressive Friend]

13. Just another reason why we need universal healthcare