Fairview Orthodontics

Why is it that doctors don’t like to discuss their fees? Every other profession and business is quite open about it, and usually, it is a big part of their advertising.

 I think it’s an ego thing. We don’t think of ourselves as normal people who run businesses. The cost of treating teeth or orthodontic treatment is somehow beneath our dignity. Inexpensive orthodontic treatment is something we don’t like to think about. We like to tell the local dentists that we have high fees because we have high quality. But does that relationship apply to the dental world?

 Not necessarily. We can see, touch and feel products that we are comparing. That makes it easy. But how do you assess the quality of a doctor offering braces discounts or inexpensive orthodontics. Every time I have to visit a new doctor, I want to ask him, “what was your grade point average?” “What dental school did you go to?” “What have you done since graduating that sets you apart from those other guys in the phone book”

 Ironically, the current economic crisis forces us to be more careful with all of our buying decisions. Affordable braces is something nice to think about, but we all have quality concerns. Will a less expensive treatment effect the long term care that we want for our family?

 My answer to the current and future economy is for me to keep it simple. I have a small office and a staff of two: myself and my receptionist/assistant. I encourage parents to shop around for an orthodontist and ask these tough questions. Why not? Doctors are just people.