Couple things to set the record straight:
- If a dentist charges different fees for the same procedure to an insured vs non-insured patient, they are committing insurance fraud. Report them to the Alberta College of Dentists and rest assured it will be investigated. The dentist risks losing their license to practice. The only exception that we make can legally/ethically make is for folks on some form of assistance program like AISH or NIHB. In those cases, the fee schedule pays about 50% of the Alberta Fee Guide. We actually lose money by doing the work (the fees collected don’t always cover the overhead).
- Re: Xrays. Dentists like X-rays as they help in detection, diagnosis and treatment planning of dental decay and pathology. As an example, if you are 40 years old with little to no periodontal disease and no recent (last 5 years) history of cavities or other big issues, I often recommend X-rays every 2-3 years rather than annually, whether or not your insurance plan covers them. Talk to your dentist about caries risk and challenge them to explain why they recommend annual X-rays. If you are unsatisfied with their answer, then find a dentist that suits your needs and that takes the time to explain their recommendation.
- Oh, and I drive a 2013 F150…
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