Sherri called the show to say she wanted to get her teeth cleaned (the $60-70 is all she can afford) and was told that she had to see the dentist and she had to get x-rays if she was going to get a cleaning.

She thinks that’s lousy. I agree (having paid a $400 bill for Sam and one of our kids to get their teeth cleaned, x-rayed, etc. this week).

Is this a law? Can someone go to a dental hygine school and volunteer to have their teeth cleaned by someone who is learning the trade? (It would probably be cheaper as well.) If you have an understanding or just want to vent, this is the place.

Denise just called. She’s an office manager in a dentist’s office and said there is a law that requires you to see the dentist if you’re getting a cleaning. If you don’t see the dentist, you probably can’t get a cleaning, Denise says.

I think it would be great in these tough times to be able to pick and choose the services you need. Clearly, it would be best to get the proper treatment, see the doctor or dentist, get the x-rays for proactive care.

But if you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it.

Published: Dec 24, 2008