There is no doubt that one of the deterrents to a visit to the dentist is the cost of treatment. This also applies to medical treatment as well as other health care providers. How can we justify the cost of these procedures?

One reason is the very high overhead expense incurred by the dental office. The national average for a typical clinic is 70% of gross receipts. This is due to the need for a highly skilled staff, special materials, and technical equipment of a unique nature. Also consider the fact that your dentist has endured eight years of higher education, and is subject to the elevated level of stress and the demanding technical nature of the profession. There is also the greater exposure to communicable disease, as well as litigation.

The fees for dental procedures have increased about threefold in our area during the last thirty years, which is well within the range of other cost-of-living expenses. Unfortunately, the maximum yearly allowance for a typical dental insurance policy has remained constant at about $1000. Consequently, the insured party has one-third the coverage they had 30 years ago, for a much higher premium. Medical insurance premiums, for example, have increased 500% during the same period.

Hopefully, in the future, the insurance industry will amend it's policies to correct the descrepency between cost and benefits to alleviate the problem that exists. As for the uninsured, the good news is that most dental problems are preventable. Proper diet and good hygeine will keep needs to a minimum. Regular checkups are the best policy for eliminating the need for more expensive treatment.

Soldotna Dental Clinic

155 Smith Way, Suite 102

Soldotna, Alaska 99669

(907) 262-4989