Dentists in Demand: Mountain Dew Mouth and More

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I like cats.

Cookie of DC 2:41PM February 07, 2012

ilove dentists, i no all of you love them too...

oksana of AK 5:15PM April 26, 2011

thanks for the article! Informative discussion about dental information! I've enjoyed reading and I learned a lot!

downey dentist of PA 3:56AM January 27, 2011

it tastse ugly like someone peeed in it! Blaaaaaaaaaaa

ALEX of DE 3:13PM September 28, 2010

I can hardly stomach the thought of a parent giving a baby Mountain Dew. Oh, that's so sad. http://www.azvalleydental.com

John of AZ 12:42AM June 29, 2010

moutain dew is the bomb and it rocks!! like the blue flavor..!!!!

josh butt of KY 9:05AM September 18, 2009

up there

fiddledeedee 1:19PM May 19, 2009

I agree with Luther of Il. I'll take the automechanic anyday. At least one can get a second honest opinion. Try finding a dentist who will refute another dentist's work or diagnosis.

PeteE of FL 1:37PM March 06, 2009

Dentistry is such a "blind item" to the consumer, it is difficult for the average person to judge whether or not a particular dentist performs quality work, or whether a particular service is REALLY needed. I have known dentists who were very well liked by their patients who had very sloppy techniques. These dentists tended to be very fast, which increased their popularity and decreased the quality of their work. When children are having toothaches and cannot find a dentist who takes medicaid, something is wrong with the system/and/or profession. I say let dental hygienists take on the role that Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners have within the medical community.

Charles Currin of GA 1:31PM March 06, 2009

As a dentist, I take offense to the notion that dentists are too powerful and too rich and that lesser trained individuals should be allowed to provide care. Our practice focuses on helping patients PREVENT the need for extensive and costly dental treatment. I work with patients on a daily basis making sure they understand how devastating frequent consumption of sugar can be. Also for those who knock organized dentistry, the track record of care about the public is there. The American Dental Association has long advocated for education of patients and fluoridation of water. However, no amount of fluoridation can overcome constant consumption of sugar.
It is true that there are some dental offices that are unfortunately more focused on dollars than patients. Most are not. Dentists do earn a good living, but the work very hard and wear multiple hats(business owner, manager, psychologist) to acheive their success. Most people who talk about how rich dentists are do not understand what the costs of providing dental treatment are.
In regards to access to care. Governments(State and Federal) have historically funded dental schools very poorly. As a result, the number of dental schools have decreased over the years. The cost of dental education is also very significant. Some private schools cost as much as $50K/year just for tuition.
In regards to medicare; the system is flawed. Reimbursement for services is so low that unless you cheat the system(in my opinion) you cannot provide care without losing money. No business can survive with that model. Look at some of the big corporations today. Going bankrupt would not improve access to care for anyone and our great government is not handing out bailouts for the dental community.
Anyhow, most patients view dentists as very trustworthy, and if you don't, you should consider finding someone you do trust.
So next time you think about criticizing dentists, think about the vast majority of dentists who would help any person in pain whether they could pay or not.

M.R. DMD of FL 10:09PM March 04, 2009