You are correct. The cost of all PPE has gone through the roof while insurance reimbursement, which was low to begin with, has not kept pace. The cost of dentistry has forced many into corporate structures in order to cost save - mostly on materials and staff needed to deal with insurance. The public does not understand that private insurance reimbursement rates for dentistry have not changed much in decades. That is why more is being required for a patient to pay out of pocket. At the same time, that same insurance is costing more in premiums for getting less. A dental office is giving away that yearly exam, x-rays, and general cleaning in the hopes of making some money on procedures. I cannot blame the office for attempting to get back some of what it is costing them just to have their doors open.
You are correct. The cost of all PPE has gone through the roof while insurance reimbursement, which was low to begin with, has not kept pace. The cost of dentistry has forced many into corporate structures in order to cost save - mostly on materials and staff needed to deal with insurance. The public does not understand that private insurance reimbursement rates for dentistry have not changed much in decades. That is why more is being required for a patient to pay out of pocket. At the same time, that same insurance is costing more in premiums for getting less. A dental office is giving away that yearly exam, x-rays, and general cleaning in the hopes of making some money on procedures. I cannot blame the office for attempting to get back some of what it is costing them just to have their doors open.