Dentist charging - per service vs time based

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timmmay

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#293481 25-Jan-2022 10:55

I have a good dentist, Lumino, but they way they charge seems somewhat biased towards them rather than the patient:

One filling costs about $300 and takes 45 minutes, due to set up, anesthetic, and post procedure cleaning I expect
A second filling takes an additional 15 minutes and costs another $300
A recommended clean by the dentist (the hygienist is on leave) is another 15 minutes and cost an additional $200. Normally it takes a hygienist 45 minutes or more, so I feel somewhat ripped off. They told me "you'll get the same clean as the full hygienist appointment" but I'm skeptical as they seem busy that whole time.

This is clearly great for them, they get all the extra revenue with little extra time required. It adds up to about $750 for 1.25 hours work. It might be standard practice.

The Lumino checkup cost $114 including three x-rays.

Any thoughts?

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#2856031 25-Jan-2022 11:09

I went yesterday to a family run dentist, checkup, clean by the dentist (as they don't have hygienists) and x-rays for $170. They used to charge $120, but since put their prices up. Mokoia Rd Dental, in Birkenhead it was.

I left Lumino because I felt they were charging me too much money. Glad I left and have been going to the above for about eight years now and happier for it.

scuwp

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#2856036 25-Jan-2022 11:20

You are not just paying for their time. Materials, tools, equipment, (very expensive and often 1 use only), rent, staff, power, not to mention years of training, experience, and technical knowledge that continuously needs updating. You can't just equate time to cost.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

timmmay

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#2856041 25-Jan-2022 11:25

scuwp: You are not just paying for their time. Materials, tools, equipment, (very expensive and often 1 use only), rent, staff, power, not to mention years of training, experience, and technical knowledge that continuously needs updating. You can't just equate time to cost.

True, and the consumables have a cost. Their time has value which reflects their experience though, so when they charge full price for something that takes them a lot less time it doesn't feel like a reasonable charge. Even a small reducing in price to cater for their reduced time would be a good thing to show customers they're being a bit reasonable.

I'm wondering what other dentists do - I might call another dentist I go to occasionally.

rugrat

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#2856051 25-Jan-2022 11:58

I’d shop around, their prices sound high to me.

I got a cracked filling removed and replaced for around $100 a couple years ago.

Edit: It only took about 15-20 minutes, not 45. Maybe a new filling is a lot more work then replacing one?

Eva888

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#2856085 25-Jan-2022 13:32

After being stung at a mid city on The Terrace dentist who after the very expensive filling, made me an appointment with the in house hygienist who charged me $250 for doing a clean and polish of one quarter of my teeth and who wanted me to come back another three times to finish! I cancelled the next appointment and took up a grab-one deal for cleaning $90 including X-ray. Never went back to the original dentist. Treat me also have these deals sometimes.

Now I ask for a quote for any treatment. I find suburban dentists that are not part of a group are cheaper.

networkn

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#2856087 25-Jan-2022 13:37

I'd like to find a decent dentist who is moderate/reasonable in central Auckland. My dentist is hard to get an appointment with and seems stupidly expensive.

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Behodar

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#2856088 25-Jan-2022 13:37

As luck would have it, I had two fillings this morning. In and out in 25 minutes. Total cost $305. This was at a local dentist, not a chain.

elpenguino

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#2856104 25-Jan-2022 14:31

Yupp. A suburban dentist will most likely have much lower rent than a CBD one.

My local practice doesn't have to pay for TV advertising either.

I had a crown done for about $850 some years ago, my workmates told me theirs were a few hundred dollars more.

My view is that if you/we patronise franchises like Lumino at the expense of independent operators, the industry will consolidate around those chains, leading to a decrease in competition and all the disadvantages that brings such as price rorting.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

networkn

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#2856107 25-Jan-2022 14:34

elpenguino: Yupp. A suburban dentist will most likely have much lower rent than a CBD one.

My local practice doesn't have to pay for TV advertising either.

I had a crown done for about $850 some years ago, my workmates told me theirs were a few hundred dollars more.

My view is that if you/we patronise franchises like Lumino at the expense of independent operators, the industry will consolidate around those chains, leading to a decrease in competition and all the disadvantages that brings such as price rorting.

My last 2 root canals and crowns were $2300+!

Both were suburban dentists (Avondale and Green Bay)

KellyP

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#2856110 25-Jan-2022 14:41

I had a check up. including xrays and 30 minute clean about 10 days ago. $190~

I also need two crowns and I have been quoted $2600. Christchurch suburban dentist.

elpenguino

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#2856115 25-Jan-2022 14:47

networkn:
My last 2 root canals and crowns were $2300+!

Both were suburban dentists (Avondale and Green Bay)

Yikes.
It hurts in more than one way.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

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Mehrts

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#2856119 25-Jan-2022 14:49

I'm super glad to have dental/hygeinist work funded via the NZDF after hearing those prices! 😬

timmmay

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#2856121 25-Jan-2022 14:55

My Lumino branch is suburban, so rent probably not a big issue. I've had crowns done various places all about $1600 in the past few years.

I called another dentist who said they'd have to do a consultation for $100 or so to have a look and decide what to do / pricing. Might be a worthwhile cost for discovery.

scuwp

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#2856122 25-Jan-2022 14:57

elpenguino:
networkn:

My last 2 root canals and crowns were $2300+!

Both were suburban dentists (Avondale and Green Bay)

Yikes.
It hurts in more than one way.

Recent root canal $1200, and crown to come another $1200.

While getting it done the dentist showed me a special drill they use. Can only use it once and it cost $300!!

I should have been a dentist....

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

trig42

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#2856149 25-Jan-2022 15:45

^ Should have been a Dental Equipment Supplier :)

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