Dollars and Dentists (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Dental care can be a matter of life or death. Yet millions of Americans either don’t have dental insurance or simply can’t afford to see a dentist. The result? Severe pain, preventable disease, humiliation, bankruptcy and sometimes even death. (Aired 2012)
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In a 2012 joint investigation by FRONTLINE and the Center for Public Integrity, correspondent Miles O’Brien uncovers the shocking consequences of a broken dental care system. Poor children, entitled by law to dental care, often cannot find a dentist willing to see them. Others kids receive excessive care billed to Medicaid, or major surgery for preventable tooth infections. For adults with dental disease, the situation can be just as dire and bankrupting. While millions of Americans use emergency rooms for dental care, corporate dental chains are filling the gaps in care, and in some cases have allegedly overcharged patients or loaded them with high priced credit card debt.
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[@erinc5868]

I worked at Aspen Dental back in 2011-2013 as an office manager. Only employer I’ve ever walked out on. They take advantage of vulnerable patients. They give you great bonuses to keep you going. But, once you realize what their business model truly is, most people leave. It literally made me cry some days to know what I was participating with.

[@santhony]

My dentist at Aspen actually walked out on his job the day I went in. They forgot about me in the chair until they were turning off the light to close.

[@patmenow5218]

Eric C Having a conscious is truly a character trait you are Blessed to have. Subsequently, you will always be an asset to anyone who knows you. Your social conscious will be/ has been rewarded. I’m proud of you. Don’t change

[@HH-gv8mx]

I went to Aspen dental to check on the tooth on the right side of my mouth that was bothering me. They told me I needed a root canal on that tooth as well as 2 other teeth on the opposite side. When I went to another dentist to get the root canal done, he told me I did not need the work done that Aspen had told me I needed. After I had the root canal done by this dentist, he informed me that he used to work for aspen dental. I have since paid him $9500 for three root canals none of which he cleans the infection out of and he just put the crown on without doing any kind of cleaning. It looks like there’s black already growing between the crown and the gumline they don’t look like they’re properly sealed on the gumline. I feel like I just set fire to $9500 . I still need more work done and at this point I’m really thinking about going to Mexico.

[@melindawilliams6624]

Thank you for sharing that information.

[@melindawilliams6624]

I am definitely going to Mexico for my dental work. 100%. And will not stop preaching about how this country's GREED is ruining everything about America.

[@pawshands9706]

This hits home. I have been impoverished all my 58 years. I remember the agony and true torture that my siblings and I suffered by being forced to see "the butchers" that were called community dentists. By the age of 15, my teeth had either been pulled, stained, broken, or inadequately drilled with metal fillings. Now my jaws hurt and I cannot chew. I crush my food with my tongue. I searched for years for an alternative, but the money was just too much, and my so-called insurance will never cover proper dental fixes. I am so ashamed that I NEVER smile. This has taken away so much joy from my life. It is a constant psychological weight and suffering.

[@kerrymarris4260]

I'm there with you, my doctor told me that my bad teeth was risking my heart and health. So about 10 years ago I had 18 teeth pulled over a six month stretch, 2 teeth a week, with a promise of miraculous dentures, that would transform my life, well we know that's a lie. I've had no be social life since then, the only thing those dentures were good for was smiling.they were totally useless for eating. KEEP YOUR TEETH!!!

[@TaraConti]

The psychological impact is something that is completely and utterly overlooked in dentistry. I became a dental assistant in my early 20s And I ended up working in an office that specialize in high fear patients. The majority of those patients were baby boomers, early Gen xers, & some World War II Gens. Those patients were tortured as children! The horror stories go on and on! I loved my job for a long time the problem for me was the money aspect of it all. I was well aware of what it cost to run the office on a day-to-day basis so I understand that it takes money. However going into the healthcare field I think I naïvely anticipated the focus to be on health! It kind of was like that when I first started because we still had a lot of the single doctor family type practices. But as the years went on into the 2000s it became very corporate with huge multi doctor practices and very much not about the patients care. I started having health problems of my own and ended up leaving dentistry around 2013/14. Then a few years ago I started having a lot of problems with my own teeth. They just started disintegrating before my eyes and knowing that I didn’t have any coverage and how much every tooth would cost to fix I was mortified! By this time most of the doctors that I’ve worked with had already retired. At least the ones that I would want to do the work. I’ve also been hugely embarrassed because I feel like this was my career, my job & I should’ve known better this wasn’t supposed to happen to me! Yet it did & I’ve lost my teeth. Trying to get dental care before they were all gone was absolutely infuriating! I don’t think I realized how many bad doctors there are out there! And the costs are absolutely insane! The whole field needs to be completely upended. The health of your teeth, gums and mouth has such a huge impact on one’s overall health! Dentistry needs to stop focusing so much on cosmetics and go back to what dentistry is supposed to be about! Also why dentistry is kept separate from the rest of the medical field is so wrong. I guarantee you if they stick a General dentist and an oral surgeon in every emergency room they will be busy beyond belief! I always considered myself a pretty caring and compassionate assistant and Lord knows I would give anything in the world to have my teeth back but I wish I had known the psychological impact of it all when I was working with my patients. Especially the younger ones because (not that it doesn’t psychologically affect people of every age) I do think it hits those of us who are still fairly young really hard. I definitely would’ve been a better assistant from the point of view I have now. I could go on and on about my thoughts on the field of dentistry. But I know this is long enough already I don’t want to bore you. Lol I’m so sorry for what you’re going through! Considering this is now 2022 it’s insane that any of us has to worry about these things. I really hope that you find the care that you need! 🙏❤️

[@pinacolada1393]

My parents never took me to the Dentist growing up but my father told me to incorporate hydrogen peroxide and baking soda & for gum pain warm water with salt. My dad is 66 still has all his teeth.

[@pinkrose8845]

I am really sorry and totally understand what you had and have been going through. My sister is 59, I’m 61years old and our experiences had been the same as yours. All the best 💗

[@pawshands9706]

@@pinacolada1393 you have a very conscientious father. So good to know.

[@jankelsey9738]

The entire healthcare industry: dental, psychiatric, ER, inpatient hospitalization, immediate care, pharmacies, etc., is based on absolutely how much money can be extracted from patients, period. We sacrifice our citizens health and well- being for the all mighty dollar. We have the only first world nation that does this, and it's insane.

[@davidgiles5030]

I lost my dental insurance when I turned 65. My entire life I had been covered so I never even thought about the cost. I never saw a bill. A few years ago the dentist wanted to renew 3 of the wife's fillings and give me a check up and clean. The cost $1284. That's serious money. We flew to Thailand for our usual winter break and attended a highly recommended dentist in Chiang Mai.He advised my wife that as much as he'd like to take her money there was nothing wrong with her fillings. He gave me a check up and cleaning. Total cost $36.00. The savings more than paid for one of our round trip airfares. I don't mind someone making a good living,but that's nonsense. Dr. Muk in Chiang Mai had a very nice white Mercedes parked in front of his practice.

[@quiveringmoist7558]

I get my cleaning in Thailand for years now. $50 for check up cleaning and X rays. I could only imagine how much it would cost here. My dentist studied at Boston University.

[@asianstud7]

Yeah heard about getting dental work done over seas. Dirt cheap. Its known as dental tourism. In the US it's a total rip off. And also you can go to Mexico for implants when you need them in the future.

[@GOGOSLIFE]

I've never had a vacation. Never been on a plane, and I'm 60 years old. You're commenting about going to another country for more affordable care. If you can afford a vacation(your USUAL winter break), you can afford a dentist. My husband has pulled his own teeth out!

[@fuzzamajumula]

The same thing happened to my mother. She still has her dental insurance, but it doesn't pay a thing. Her "dentist" is one in a franchise dentistry. Her visit for a painful tooth was around two thousand dollars. Her next scheduled visit, two weeks later, cost fourteen hundred dollars. This was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. She's been back a few times for cleaning, to the tune of several hundred a pop. They've been sending her "reminders" throughout the pandemic, but she's been ignoring them. These people are crazy! Next time, I'm taking her to a simple, one-dentist, shingle-on-the-door, dentist office. We'll see how the prices compare.

[@kellylee9188]

Jeeze..guess you missed the whole idea sir. If myself or any other poor person could hop a plane for a vacation to Thailand and while there have their dental issues taken care of ...wellll...for Pete's sake.. Don't cha think we would. As a matter of fact, we wouldn't have to leave the country we could well afford dental amd health insurance here in the United States. Shit!! SMH!! WTH! Anyway, good for you. Happy you only had two extractions at the very low cost of under $40 dollars. Life is good.

[@temple13]

Health insurance should cover your entire body. INCLUDING teeth. INCLUDING eyes. I shouldn't need three different converges. FFS!

[@jessetorres8738]

We need Medicare For All here in the U.S., especially during this time with the Coronavirus pandemic! What's more "pro-life" than ensuring that every person has guaranteed affordable healthcare regardless of their job? If we all had access to basic healthcare, we would have the "freedom" to live long lives and rarely have to worry about medical bankruptcies. Taxes will go up, but the overall cost will go down. If some of us need additional healthcare than Medicare, then we have the "choice" to get additional insurance. If every other developed country (Canada, Germany, The U.K., France, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, S.K., H.K., Singapore, Australia, and N.Z.) can implement this system and save money, then why can't we do the same and help "Make America Great Again" for everybody at least on the issue of healthcare? And if American citizens die from lacking access to affordable health insurance then we are failing our country's promise of defending "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for its citizens as well as "promoting the general welfare" of all the people living here.

[@dertythegrower]

I totally concur.. This one needs a 2022 update. Thank you. Parents spent 5 figures on braces and tooth fixes, and they are now longterm caused side effects and secondary requirements for more work that should have been done better if we had known better. Tooth pain is the worse, I've even had my jaw broken by a dental jaw widen device to straighten teeth. This should be a public service, and funded properly.

[@pawshands9706]

If we had free health insurance, we'd be healthier and happier. Health insurance in the U.S. is abysmal and embarrassing.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Exactly

[@meganh1966]

Exactly. Infected teeth can cause a myriad of other health problems.

[@carolf72]

Thank you FRONTLINE for making this. I started working in the dental field as dental assistant before applying for dental school to make sure it was what I wanted to do. After a while I realized that dentistry was not for me. Not because I didn’t like dentistry but because of the “business model”. After I quit dentistry I felt like people thought I over reacted and this documentary reminded me of why I did it.

[@tigerpawn1679]

Good choice...

[@animaladvocate8938]

Dentists die young for a reason!

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

Why didn't you continue dentistry and volunteer to work in one of these traveling clinics? 😮

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

I am one of a few across the country that actually applied to dental school and got in, went for a little over 1 year of dental school and then decided it wasn’t really for me so I withdrew. I’m still glad I made the decision to leave to this day. I do not regret it.

[@Tammissa]

Being able to afford a dentist is like a privilege these days. Tooth pain is excruciating when the nerves are exposed.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Two of the most excruciating pains to have are dental pain and kidney stones yet both aren't taken seriously at hospitals or urgent care centers

[@sootuckchoong7077]

In my country, and I believe most other countries also, the govt will give free or low cost dentist and medical care to those who can't afford. The rich can go private.

[@starladear234]

@Haitham Ali that is actually not true. The longer you go without proper Dental Care, the more you run the risk of becoming septic and possibly dying

[@josuegomez484]

@Haitham Ali 5thxs Z

[@starladear234]

@Haitham Ali but it is not generally just pain. The original comment was that urgent care and hospitals don't take it more seriously. Meaning people would just get turned away and end up suffering.... which means the problem goes untreated and then gets worse.

[@everymp]

The irony is all these people lining up to get free help are the same people voting against their own interest by being against Healthcare for All (including medical, dental, vision etc). They listen to politicians who labeled basic healthcare "socialize medicine". Most Americans cannot visit the doctor even when they have health insurance because of high deductible, copay, and coinsurance, and the limitation of the annual coverage maximum.

[@XBKLYN]

Unfortunately this is truth.

[@jaiquanfayson1099]

Sad truth

[@truthteller4442]

See the problems with dentists not accepting Medicaid in this video???? They're private practices and don't have to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government insurance. Most doctors would just retire or completely forego going into the dental or medical fields. All you'd be left with are the worst-of-the-worst. Which is a HUG problem right now for people on Medicaid, as was already outlined in this video. They simply can't find dentists or doctors that take it because they pay so low. There is NO money for these programs as it is, and your bright idea is to expand it further. 🤦🏻‍♂

[@roc2588]

💯

[@roc2588]

@@truthteller4442 you can expand it further by increasing the reimbursement rate to match private dental insurance.

[@hannahkushan175]

Taking advantage of the system is one thing, but knowingly ruining a child’s teeth and oral health is one of the worst crimes

[@tokeysgaming7045]

I was a victim of this shit it’s sad af an it makes me mad just thinking about it

[@Fido-vm9zi]

God forbid. Unbelievable.

[@charleshawn]

This was originally aired in 2012? Not much has changed in 10 years

[@senorbautista6143]

You are wrong(sarscasm)! Things have changed, the prices have changed for the worse.

[@pseudokowski]

That's because everyone is sitting on their collective asses doing nothing about it.

[@sunshine3914]

Back in the late 80s 20/20 exposed dental clinics.

[@icu4life240]

Nothing has changed because the bill has been repealed but not replaced. Republicans don't stand for anything that will help Americans.

[@gaylecoleman8567]

No just costs more

[@junkman8882]

American health and dental system is broken... It's all about money, not quality care...

[@purifypurify7559]

bro its not just America, stop acting like the world revolves around u guys

[@norman7527]

Everything in America is about money and nobody 'cares'

[@jeanmyers1787]

Same in U.K. Go to Kerala, Southern India I get my teeth done for £3,000 against £18,000 & have a great holiday.

[@veramatthews1364]

Those dentists are filling a great need to people with limited funds . Many thanks for such a wonderful gesture . To provide the relief they need is the greatest gesture of the volunteer dentists . Many kudos to them . 👍❤️

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Bless them!

[@50lbhead30]

Need to talk more about this. American health care is a joke.

[@roderickcortez138]

America is a joke.

[@blueagle-di6is]

Dental care should not be a luxury in the country with the biggest economy in world history.

[@clemclemson9259]

well get out of the usa then were all F***ed

[@Gerdeo64]

Dental care should indeed be human right and not luxury in no part of the world.

[@michellehealey7590]

This is unbelievable in America today. I was in the military for 5 years. All of my medical care is covered through the VA for llife….except dental!!!Last year I had a bunch of cavities and a few teeth that were broken and barely hanging on. I saw a dentist and he told me I need 5 root canals and 4 extractions. He showed me an X-ray he took and showed me a raging infection in my gums/jaw. He told me if I did not take care of it I would be walking into the emergency room within a month. About a month and a half later I ended up in the hospital with an infection in my heart and had to have open heart surgery

[@heatherh.197]

I need a tooth extraction. Ive had a broken tooth since the summer. I was recently treated with antibiotics. I have had aggressive work done on my teeth. Silver fillings in about every molar. When a quarter of this tooth fell out, it was all filling. I think ive had some difficulties with my health due to my tooth being broken just short of the bone. I get it taken out next week. My health care and dental are government health care and i would go as far as to say its not even Healthcare. There is next to zero care. We're a single family income of 5. My husband and i and our 3 children plus two dogs (no medical care there. All out of pocket) I am disgusted and appalled at American Healthcare-less.

[@zachariah1990]

Cases like yours are rare. Teeth infections normally don’t get that bad unless you have a suppressed immune system. I hope you had it taken care of. I’d also ask what type of foods you ate.

[@VeteranNikky26]

Correct I’m a Veteran dental is not included after my deployment my teeth started going bad then I found out it was due to the Anthrax vaccine it attacks the teeth they keep denying it but there is an organization called RAW they help Veterans who were deployed get their smile back I’ll start my treatment soon at no cost to me thankfully if it wasn’t for them I don’t know what I would do! It’s sad the way American warriors are treated after serving their country

[@zachariah1990]

@@VeteranNikky26 There’s a place in Texas that helps Veterans and low income I believe it’s called G4. They accept some forms of Medicare and Medicaid as well. I know someone who got full on dental implants and after insurance it was about $2,000 give or take which they set up a payment plan and paid on it for a few years.

[@markaoslo5653]

If it hasn't been mentioned yet... One of the biggest issues (as I see it), is that dentistry, is often referred to (by the insurance companies), as _"cosmetic"_ - never-mind the pain (and subsequent fatigue), the increased risk of systemic-infection (most notably, affecting the heart), and last, but not least, the proper maceration (properly breaking down the food particles - chewing), as a matter of proper digestion, and nutrient absorption - then, add the social challenges, of what we look like, too (employment opportunities, etc) - Short of non-medically required, tooth straightening, and/or bleaching/whitening, and cosmetic veneers, etc - DENTAL, IS MEDICAL, PERIOD!!! Now, if medical, wasn't so far behind, too - we would reasonably add full dental, to the medical operation, to improve our overall health, and functionality, and productivity... Thank you-

[@babagandu]

It's my dream for it to happen

[@jefffarmer5785]

AGREED-!!!👍

[@ginariffe5525]

We can’t even add medical to the medical operation. And the lobbyists for the big corporations are going to make sure it never happens. Dental care and health care should be a basic human right in every country.

[@haidengeary8277]

Basic-care is, and never was, considered "cosmetic". Dental care is meant to be preventative. IE, if you fail to go to a dentist, until you have tooth pain, then you already failed yourself.

[@haidengeary8277]

@@ginariffe5525 Human right? Who is going to pay for it? Do you expect doctors to work for free? What you are suggesting, is that it ought to cost us nothing. We live, in the US anyway, in a capitalist society. You cant expect someone to risk going bankrupt, to pay for an education, just so we get "cheaper care". I am 100% with the understanding that its over-priced, but stop with the "Its a human right", nonsense. Because, as I stated, usually, that implies it ought to cost us nothing. Well, last time I checked, people did not work for free, and the money to pay for all the equipment/supplies/hiring of skilled doctors, costs money.

[@raymonduscinski3721]

You are very fortunate if you can find a dentist that does not do unnecessary procedures.

[@sparkles999rose2]

That almost happened to me 20 years ago, way before I knew it was a thing. I said no just clean my teeth. Saw another dentist as I never got cavities before and didn’t believe them and I was right. Always go around thinking you’re smarter than everyone else.

[@incee_netinai]

great documentary. Dental really should not be separate from standard health insurance

[@clemclemson9259]

true true

[@andreah6379]

Exactly. You should be able to go to an emergency room and get head to toe care. But even the fact any American has to go to the emergency room is ridiculous!! We all need to be treated with dignity. Preventive care from head to toe is something all Americans should have & it should all be VERY affordable. It's that way in so many other countries around the world!!!! EXCEPT USA. Greed. All greed.

[@patwats8860]

Standard health insurance for dentists too would be such a step forward! Dentistry should be called a part of the body after all. Dental care is imperative.

[@do9138]

We shouldn't NEED health insurance. We should have national healthcare like every other industrialized country on the planet.

[@patwats8860]

A friend of mine was in hospital in Italy for several months, got excellent care! When he asked for the bill he was not charged anything. The country had national health insurance. Your suggestion is the best way to go. Thanks.

[@isabelfonseca3982]

I lived in the US for 9 years, during that time, I had problems with one wisdom tooth. The "surgeon" tied me up, and treated me like an animal. I stoped seeing a dentist for almost 10 years. It was really traumatic. Not just expensive, but a bad, bad service.

[@jenifferavilez]

And they treat you as a number no a patient. I mean number = money and patient = care, safe your tooth, give the best service, prevent, explain everything. I have experience here in USA I never imagine how bad it is the Dental Health, wow. In my country Honduras I always arguing about the price, etc but now I talked with my dentist and I share with her How I missed her, beacuse here If you say "I don't have insurance" they don't give option they just only explsin you "Is up to you what you priorities, is depend your money when you have the money you csn come back" and they see the cavities, the heard "I have a pain" mmm no They just only said "The lady of Insursnce system talk to you and know If you apply with a Care Credit or our financial system. Ok. Is insane they are No doctor they are commercial, money, no matter what you suffer, no matter whats you need they didn't help you. I sad for my type of Visa I can go to other country like my country but I need urgently a Dental Crown and Cosmetic Denstistry for recover my all mouth. And I Can't.

[@misstekhead]

@@jenifferavilez The United States is the worst place for dental treatment. You see celebrities and the rich, and if you look closely you can tell most of them have fake or capped teeth. No working person in America can afford beautiful teeth without going into debt. Thankfully I live in Texas close to Mexico. I’m now considering getting dental work done there. Thankfully because I’m close to Mexico I can also travel back for check-ups to make sure there are no complications. It takes a lot of research to find a trustworthy doctor and clinic. Once I’ve saved the money I’ll hopefully get quality dental help without the insane amount of money that the U.S. charges. My country makes me ashamed. Health and dental care is outrageous. It’s like they’re banking on us to suffer and die if we can’t pay up. They’re no different from the mafia in some aspects.

[@yesmaam4258]

@@misstekhead Yes - turned into a disgusting business.......

[@loveSAVE-e7k]

should have sued the creep

[@donjacobs6753]

My experience has been that dentists are the silent money makers in the medical field. At my last dentist I asked the hygienist how much the cleaning costs. She said it was $110. When she was finished the dentist came in to peak in my mouth. It took all of 2 minutes and he charged me $75, a total of $185. I can understand the $110 for the cleaning. As for the dentist, if I gave him the benefit of the doubt and say he spent 5 minute that comes to $900 an hour. And if that wasn't bad enough during one visit he suggested that I get a night guard since I tend to grind my teeth. His dental assistant took the mold. When it came back I tried it on. He spent a few minutes fine tuning it. The charge was $500. A year or so later I was on line with Amazon and found a company that sends you the mold and the goo to fill it with. The charge was $100. It fit like a glove. If it needed adjustments or they had to redo the guard for any reason there was no charge not even for postage. If I paid $100 retail I'm sure that my dentist pay less due to the volume of work that he gives the company he uses. But for arguments sake let's say he also pays$100. A dental assistant took the mold which took all of 5 minutes and all she did was time it an remove it from my mouth. When I came back to pick it up the dentist spent maybe 5 minutes at the outside to make some minor adjustments. That means he netted $400 for 5 minutes worth of work and some nominal amount that his dental assistant got paid for watching the goo harden. $400 times 12 grosses him $4,800 PER HOUR. Even if he spent 10 minutes on the adjustments that's $2800 per hour. Most surgeons don't make that much money. Oh yes and he drives an Alfa Romeo. I understand that as someone years in medical school learning his trade should be compensated accordingly, but charging $4000/hour is obscene. I should point out that these kinds of charges have been my experience with more than one dentist. I just recently moved to Florida. After the cleaning the dentist came in and showed me that one of my molars would need an implant. There is a periodontist in the practice as well. He came in and looked at the xrays and when I asked how much the one implant would cost he responded that it would be $7000. I almost lost it. I was also distressed that when I first walked in to the office and asked how much they charged for a cleaning they wouldn't give me a straight answer. They wanted my insurance info first. I asked a second time and they were still evasive. A week or so later I was walking down the street and was passing a dentist's office so I went in and inquired about the cost of an implant. Much to my surprise, receptionist asked me which tooth. Her response was about $3000. Finally someone who was giving me a straight answer and a more reasonable price. I didn't think to ask at the time but I will go back and inquire about the price of a cleaning, xrays and the doctor's once over. It seems that there are no controls over what dentists do and what they charge for their services and I don't see anyone stepping up to the plate. It's a sad state of affairs. There seems to be no regulations on dentistry and they have a captive audience.

[@crand20033]

Well, you gotta consider their student loans to get through dental school.

[@RG-hf4et]

@David Crandall. ....... and the insane overhead for changing technology, insurances, increased staff wages & compensation, etc. Everybody has this misconception that every dollar paid by a patient goes in the doctors pocket. Wrong!

[@gabrielle9335]

It wouldn’t be like this if dental school didn’t cost 400k to attend. Everyone is mad at the wrong people. Insurance companies and tuition are to blame for dentists atrocious prices.

[@richardlouis1284]

This edition highlights just another problem with Healthcare in the United States.

[@TheDenizxo]

I can relate to 30yr old women Vanessa that was in the chair in the biggining of the story I'm very lucky to be in Canada on services of help for dentistry after getting my life together and now going back to school I'm very embarrassed of my teeth from. The extreme rotting . Even one day my dad came to see me and told me seeing my face especially teeth made his day bad when he was happy that day. That still sits with Me. I still have half my teeth to do . I'm very excited to eat without pain and look pretty again❤

[@jc.1191]

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[@tmackjr8652]

Good luck, God bless....I have tooth pain now.

[@EmmaDee]

Ms. Vanessa, you deserve to smile dear. A smile can make or break someone’s confidence. I’m so sorry what you’ve been through and it’s times like this that I wish I was Oprah or someone with great financial means where I could help you or others like myself even. I guess I have a bit of the OCD, I’ve got two electric toothbrushes (Philips and Oral B) plus a regular toothbrush. Would you believe I’m guilty of over-brushing, brushing too hard close to the gum line, and I’ve caused my gums to recede. I’m about to be faced with at least $10K in dental work to fix my teeth. I’ll be using my care credit card and all of my FSA dollars for the year. I swear I bet it would be cheaper to go with dentures. I almost cried at the end seeing the emotion when you smile, beautiful lady!! I bet you will have the confidence needed now to apply for any job you want and get it. Wishing you a Happy 2022!!

[@mamuklutze6474]

Happy to hear that. Please take care of what is left with good homecare so that you don't lose any more teeth🙏🏽🙏🏽 best wishes

[@MsBonsaihero]

God bless that dentist that gave that woman back her smile.

[@ryanmanley389]

October, 2021 I experienced an impacted wisdom tooth (R-32) that got infected. It swelled up so bad my brother said I looked like an alien. Pain was like nothing I ever experienced, absolutely excruciating. Couldnt open my jaw wide enough to eat solid food for a time. No sympathy from my employer, wrote me up even after I got a doctors note excusing for 2 days to let the antibiotics kick in. Once the cyst burst, I spit out the most vile fluid for 2 days. Turns out I had to see a surgeon and I was lucky to get in after a month of waiting. I'm fine now and consider myself fortunate.

[@mcmlxii4419]

How awful! It's disgusting that your employer had to add to your problems the way they did. Are you a postal worker, by any chance? (It's ok if you don't want to answer that.)

[@KO-ov6kg]

FYI, when you have a serious issue like this, you can take up to 2400 mg of ibuphropen in 24 hours (800 mg x 3) which reduces the swelling and is effective against pain.

[@MijoShrek]

There was a dad in Utah who had a cavity couldn't get the worm it needed covered and as c'mon just tries to go without taking care of it cause you have no choice unless you have that cash for it and that became a blood infection and it killed him once your blood becomes toxified only upon intvestigating cause of death

[@MelissaCornwall]

I have experience pericoronitis as well and it is the most excruciating pain I've ever felt. I had a baby without meds and I would rather do that all day long than having to endure the pain I felt with that tooth infection.

[@tintin931]

You could have died due to the infections, as far as i can tell, your case should be treated as a emergency case. Usually the dentist gives you a precautionary antibiotics so that after the surgery your infection would be less. But it's awful that your cyst ruptured. I couldn't imagine.

[@aikanae1]

"First aired in 2012" and nothing has changed (maybe worse) since.

[@alfx5432]

worst

[@emiliorosa9896]

Thank you Frontline for this amazing work n always getting the truth out there

[@judeflowers2813]

I love Frontline! I watch it (or sometimes sleep to it) all night long.

[@andrewdb01]

Hats off to PBS and the AMAZING work they do. This documentary is EYE-OPENING and makes me feel VERY lucky that I never have had a root canal, crowns, or anything else of that nature done to me at 39 going on 40. These corporations who prey on vulnerable communities...it's sick, disgusting, and pathetic.

[@illuminaughty2929]

Stay away from franchised dental clinics

[@sahejdhillon2285]

This!!! Please do this. These corporate clinics overwork new graduates and bill extra treatment that isn’t necessary while having insanely long wait times. Exp: western dental in California

[@RadioPsychicAstrologyByPepper]

@@JohnSmith-mc2zz ooh my God that is so horrific.

[@DanStratocaster1]

For anyone watching this: get a passport and travel to Nogales, Mexico. Great clinics, reasonable prices, good dentistry. My girlfriend’s parents, my girlfriend and my brother have all gone there for dentistry. Many many retirees that live in Arizona travel there for help..Good luck.

[@michelle-jn7ul]

🤣 assuming you aren't poor, because poor people don't have that cash.

[@pinacolada1393]

I go to Algodones for Dental & Eye care. Nothing beats preventive care

[@xtscarfacem8255]

You know what i find ironic... that a lot of those people flying to mexico to pay cheaper prices are then ones that in america hates on immigrants and belittles them. Yet they have no problem benefiting from that country.

[@Maverickgouda]

How much does the travel run?

[@Quickened1]

@@xtscarfacem8255 that country benefits from them spending US dollars there... it's a win win...

[@elitehacker1416]

My mother was an orthodontist she made all my braces and retainers and she did a lot more in that sense I was lucky, and so was every single one of her patients. She treated every single patient just as good if not better than she treated me. Lol and if a patient truthfully couldn't afford the braces, retainer etc. She would make them for those patients on her free time from home.. part of our house was turned into an orthodontist office/lab just so she could work from home and got all the legal licenses to do so.. Serrell dental is exactly how a dental office should be. And that one rep. For Kool smiles is a liar and you can see it. All she is doing is saying anything she can to protect that business because if not she will be fired just like that other lady. There should be no bonuses because money makes people do nasty things. And for her to say that share holders care about patients is complete bullshit and everyone knows it All they care about is getting there investment back and more.

[@fuzzamajumula]

This is true. You could tell she was spouting all the pre-packaged lines that she was given to spout. She wasn't answering questions. She wasn't thinking. She was an automaton. That's why she was the only one allowed to be interviewed on camera. She was well versed in the canned answers she had to regurgitate. She was a well paid liar.

[@healtheworld6014]

"money makes people do nasty things", so true.

[@HH-gv8mx]

I wish more dentists had the passion for healing people and treating people like your mother did.

[@RG-hf4et]

@H H Every profession has bad apples. Look at the md's giving out opioid prescriptions. Most medical & dental practices are honest.

[@smc130]

The dental therapist is an excellent way to expand basic dental care to the patients with Medicaid to less! Nurse Practitioners have been a godsend for physicians and patients!! An MD isn’t always necessary.

[@محمدالامريكي-ج9م]

America needs a government healthcare system that is not profit motivated.

[@sunshine3914]

Not gunna happen. Insurance is bigger than oil, in the US.

[@icu4life240]

Medicade is a government program yet its being ripped off by greedy Dentist and Doctors. After it was regulated Doctors and Dentist refuse to accept these types of patients.

[@powerofknowledge7771]

God bless these dentists who came to help these people in Virginia!! They have no idea the difference they are making in people's lives! I've been there having many dental issues and scared, but luckily after many years of searching, found a dentist to help me! She changed my life!!!

[@eponymousIme]

Thank you for this. Dental care is an essential part of overall health but is still overlooked by our legislators as a critical unmet need. So many poor and elderly endure avoidable suffering and poor health because American doesn't provide affordable accessible dental care.

[@heatherh.197]

How are their teeth? The legislators? Who are their dentists? Do they belong to some elite group? How's their Healthcare? What's also bad is the customer service in these offices today. Insanity. Their all haters of..people. Im calling off all my appointments except for Monday. I need this one tooth extracted months ago😖 its a molar. I want to have something in it's place. I didn't want to have it pulled because i don't want to be without it. But, we cant afford it. And at the same time, i cant afford not to. My health is at risk every day i don't take care of it. Thank you, Lord that I am a woman of faith and my God, Ruler over my life, He is going to take care of me. God bless America

[@rachelstone8054]

This is such an informative documentary and really puts things into perspective. In my area, we have one dentist that takes Medicaid and it takes FOREVER to get in. I complain all the time about how long it takes to get in to the dentist, but wow. At least we have a dentist that we can go to! Dental care is SO important and I hate that insurance companies and the government treat it as optional or cosmetic. "Just take proper care of your teeth." Sure, that sounds easy in theory, but so many things go into tooth decay or issues. Eating habits (low-income homes can't always afford healthy food choices), vitamin deficiencies, genes, etc. Overbrushing can even cause damage, as well as brushing too hard. Access to affordable dental care should be a RIGHT. Not a privilege.

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

Well said!!!!! 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌

[@bpassion4fashion581]

This subject hit me at the core !!! I am shocked to even see this subject is being exposed. I have had a plethora of inmoral experiences with dentist everywhere I have been to. Meaning both in the US and outside of the US; With good insurance from my job, then with Medicaid and also with cash outside of the country. I have experienced it all. It took me years to finally realize that dentistry is a business. I was so disappointed and frankly heartbroken bc I used to look up to dentist with the same respect that I look up to any other doctor. It is very sad to find out that I am being seen as a dollar sign when I walk into a dentist office. The best experience is to be treated by a dentist linked to a good school. For example Columbia university or NYU here in New York have graduates that are doing extra training under the supervision of an experienced dentist. I rather make that exchange, than being lied to for money. It’s disgusting that the dental health ( and mental health ) are not a priority for the health care system. They pay them barely anything , that’s why they don’t accept Medicaid .

[@KP-rh5qz]

I can’t imagine not being able to go to the dentist every 6 months. So sad 😞 I hope that they can help everyone get denture for the one young lady

[@carmennadel7636]

Why not start a go fund for young adults?

[@sarahs.9292]

We need a 2022 update! My family wasn't well off when I was kid. The only time that I went to the dentist was when I was in pain. Fast forward to today I have to onlay crowns and my genetics are ravaging my teeth. Now, I have had dental care for the past 10 plus years and every time I go to the dentist my they comment how clean my teeth are. Now that I have my own kids they have gone to the dentist every six months since age 1. I am blessed to dental insurance and hoping that my kids don't run into so many issues as they get older.

[@lgmauro]

Nothing has changed unfortunately. :(

[@DellaDykeborn]

It's disgusting how judgmental we are in this country of people with bad teeth when proper dental care is a privilege.

[@kristianask]

Wow... in Sweden you get free dental care until the age of 20 and after that you'd pay anywhere from $120 to $300 per year to have them checked up and fixed if needed. The fee is based on how well you take care of your teeth. I feel really sorry for the people that can't afford to keep their teeth in order.

[@julief634]

I think I may move to Sweden or anywhere but this sh**hole America.

[@thjbird]

Teaching good dental hygiene is important from an early age. Teeth and gums deal with a lot of circumstances that are stressful, and proper cleaning and care can prevent so many problems later on. Preventative care is not profitable.

[@tonyabrookes9931]

And don't forget the role of good nutrition also. Its so important

[@jenniferdewitt7511]

Even if you take amazing care of your teeth, which you absolutely should do, there are issues of genetics, disease, and trauma that can all still cause you to end up with bad teeth you cant afford to fix. It's not always preventable

[@EducateYourself789]

A disgrace of how greed affects humans behavior.

[@Clintsessentials]

Yep.

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

I feel for all these people suffering. How many of them though are voting against their own interests? Don't y'all want public health care so you don't have to end up with infected teeth and all your teeth pulled by 30? You can be conservative/religious and still want health care for all. Every single Republican politician, especially the ones in house/senate, have excellent health care. Y'all "normal people" deserve excellent health care too. Maybe that's one thing we all can begin to work together on.

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

Sadly, there are some people (e.g., those who were featured in the beginning of the documentary) who like to vote against their own interests because they've been raised like that. And if you tell them about Medicare for All or any social program that might help them or their children in some way, they will call you the "S" or the "C" word.

[@chenzenzo]

Dental pain is by far some of worst a person can experience, and poor dental health can lead to deadly serious issues. America expects people to be upright citizens, but we can't even take care our own. We already pay taxes to have a massive military, but we could take care of people with Universal Healthcare. Plain and simple.

[@brandonsupreme8380]

Welcome to America yall this is outrages I'm from europe and I got to say the American dream is to suck of people money for greedy corporations and the so-called military which is nothing more than a game to the government

[@alfx5432]

I know all about tooth pain , dental insurance is a joke.

[@chenzenzo]

@@brandonsupreme8380 The American dream is just to have a family and a home and be happy. It's very simple, but Capitalism has tried to twist it into this gross, dismorphic monster that can't stop. It's one of many reasons people here snap.

[@chenzenzo]

@@alfx5432 We need to organize like a muthafucka. Whatever is happening now is flat out not right. No point in letting things boil down. Let our froth bubble and spill out of the melting pot.

[@Laura01]

While I do not support Universal Healthcare for many reasons, I agree with your statement…. “…. we can’t even take care of our own.” I think of this almost daily, as we drop billions to fund unending wars, and continue to give health insurance to those skirting our laws flooding our borders. I often joke with my husband saying we should have our kids cross the border to come to America, claim they’re escaping violence, so they can get free medical care, housing, and food stamps.🙄 America could use this money to help their own by funding low cost dental clinics, or reimbursing dentists & doctors fairly for their work.

[@smylm8ker]

This was fantastic. Nothing that I didn't already know was happening but good information for the general public to know about so that they can be aware and question services recommended by their providers. I wish that they would've also included information about PPO insurance as there is also fraud and upselling for these patients as well. There was a shift in dentistry about 30 years ago and its created this mess that I hope can be cleared up. What we do as dental professionals is important but we have lost our way.

[@ZzJ17]

Frontline = excellent work

[@hellokitty_3641]

A big problem is failing to focus on prevention; brushing and flossing is cheap and prevents the majority of cavities and gum disease. No different than the obesity epidemic; we continue to focus on how to treat the problem instead of preventing it in the first place.

[@krishnak2]

@11.55 She is saying correctly, never ever go to a dental chain. It is all about profit, nothing about dentistry. Nothing has changed since it aired 10 years back except these dental chains got wiser and made it difficult to figure out whether a dental office is part of the chain or not. Do your research and go to a practice that is owned and operated by a doctor who is practicing there and has at least 5 to 7 year experience and is known in the community.

[@rorriannroch]

I worked for three dentists and they were all abusing their patients and over charging the insurance companies. I reported one but it was my word against the dentist and nothing came to it. I am so stressed when I go to a new dentist now. One dentist just about butchered the patient while I assisted and pulled out the wrong tooth. There was blood everywhere and since the patient was numb he had no idea what had taken place. She ran the practice into the ground and then moved to another state to continue her horrible work. After she left all the other dentists in our area were fixing her botched jobs and she was well known. Not sure if I can put her name here but TL is wording in Oregon now and she had her first practice in Farmington Arkansas. I would say the majority of dentists go into the field for the money while most medical doctors go into the field to help patients. Yeah the majority do not have your best interests at heart, they only have their pocketbooks.

[@yomdashuk2264]

so scary

[@josephaltman460]

50% of the dentists I've ever visted, OVERTREATED and scammed me. I just fired my recent dentist as I caught them lying to me over an $8,000 crown I did not need. Plus they scheduled me for services just months before my insurance would have covered them, and I had to pay out of pocket. The very first dentists I went to as a teenager forced me to get 10 fillings I did not actually need! I was just a kid and that dentist kept poking his poker into my HEALTHY teeth extremely hard to make them hurt! The con artist charged my elderly grandmother thousands of dollars! It's all a money game to them and EXACTLY why I despise American dentistry!!!

[@effefffffffffffffffffffff]

There is no such thing as an $8,000 crown. Nobody in the entire world charges that for a crown. Come back when you can make up a believable story.

[@froggyziffle]

This is 10 years old. Nothing has changed. I'm 68 with only a few teeth left. I don't believe anything will change in my lifetime. Only people with money deserve teeth.

[@Kyarrix]

@@critter4004 I had to edit my comment to you several times because your response made me so angry. Who are you to sit on high and judge another person with so much smug self-satisfaction? You don't know anything about that individual's life or nutritional background. You took a comment someone made in pain and you turned it into an opportunity to feel superior. You "simply" avoided tooth decay by not eating sugars and starches. The word simply does a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence. Avoiding the need for dental care is far more complicated than simply avoiding sugars and starch. If an individual doesn't get adequate dental care when they are a child, that can set them up for a lifetime of problems. Tens of millions of children do not get adequate medical and dental care in the US. There are many factors other than diet. Two individuals eating the same healthy diet can have vastly different dental situations. I have to go to the dentist every 6 months, my best friend goes once in a decade with no ill effects and I eat a very healthy diet. As for eating sugar or starches, you should be aware that brushing your teeth immediately ameliorates most of the bad dental effects of these foods. I'm not advocating for eating sugars and starches, they should be avoided for other reasons, but when they are eaten, brush right away. Your comment embodies so much of what is wrong in this country. Blaming another person for their misfortune without any knowledge of the circumstances while feeling superior for "simply" making better choices. I'm going to make a suggestion that will probably seem alien to you. Even if they had all of the information, even if they had received exemplary care as a child and willfully ate grains and sugar, they should still not have to suffer rotting teeth and the inability to chew. Healthcare and dental care should not be for-profit industries. I've lived in other countries where everyone receives basic medical and dental care. Our taxes pay for roads, the postal service, schools, police and firefighters, the necessary and essential services we share as a society. In every other developed nation and in some that are not healthcare is understood to be a necessity just like roads, bridges and schools. What differentiates you from the person you responded to? Luck of the draw? Education? Opportunity? All of the factors in a person's life that contribute to making them who they are. If you work 12 hours a day in a warehouse, you're probably not going to have time to educate yourself on what to eat. You might not have access to those foods or time to cook them. By the time you get to the age of 60 and have struggled your whole life, your dental health may just not be exemplary for many reasons that were never in your control. We don't prioritize education. We don't prioritize the well-being of the people who live here. Profit is the only concern. Industries with a vested financial interest actively fight against the public being made aware of how bad their products are. Do you remember Coca-Cola's advertising campaign where they said that all calories are the same and the only important thing is the number of calories, as long as you don't eat too many calories Coca-Cola has a place in a healthy diet. They outright said that there's no difference between 200 calories of broccoli or salmon or Coca-Cola. They knew that wasn't true but they still ran with it. And they got away with it. The tobacco companies still sell cigarettes. The processed food corporations maintain staffs of thousands whose job it is to formulate foods that will be uniquely addictive. Remember Lay's potato chips? "Bet you can't eat just one!" that give away the game up front. These foods are manufactured to bypass our satiety mechanisms. They are made to induce overeating, calories that provide no nutritional value and do significant damage. And they are all sold and marketed to those who are most vulnerable. You are lucky that you were able to educate yourself. You understand that sugars and starches are bad for your health and bad for your teeth. You probably have enough time to make good food. You might have had a baseline of dental care or were able to get it for yourself or happened to luck out and never need it. Do you think that only those similarly situated to you deserve to be healthy? Do you really believe that it is as simple as avoiding sugars and starches?

[@Kyarrix]

@@critter4004 I figured there would be a snarky comment about an essay or novella. I was certain you would do that and you didn't disappoint. Everything I said was accurate, reading is not work, if it's an effort for you to read something or if it takes time, that isn't a problem I have. It's a choice you make. Reread your response to the original comment. Do you not see how you came across? The first thing you say is "what was your diet." Then the word simply, you simply avoided sugars and starches and for that reason do not have tooth decay. That was all you had to say to the person who has no teeth and is suffering. No compassion, no questions, just judgment and assumptions about their diet with more about your own experience. Your experience is anecdotal, you suggested that all they had to do is do what you did and everything would be great when that isn't accurate. How does that help them when they are already in this situation? All they had to do was not eat sugars and starch, and that helps them now how? It doesn't. All it does is serve as an opportunity for you to point out what you believe to be their bad choices without knowledge as to whether they made those choices or if they knew better. That's what prompted my essay. The thing you should do is go back and reread your comment, understand how it came across and try to do better next time. You don't have to acknowledge that to me, that isn't the point.

[@butterflygirl2285]

@@critter4004 IMO - Genetics plays a big part in oral condition as well certain diseases, pregnancy, medications, and physical ailments Please do not stereotype.

[@kellylee9188]

@@critter4004 like really, lady! Diet! Diet! Many people cannot help the food made available to them. We brush, floss, water pic all the same. We buy food we can afford. And yes, some of us even have major dental work done at extreme cost only to end up through no fault of our own with dental discord. Honest to goodness..you haven't a clue. SMH!🙄🙄

[@kellylee9188]

@@Kyarrix Ohhh my goodness.. Take me to church..one of the best responses I've read in quite some time. Ty for your words and hopefully some people reading your comments will show a little humility in life going forward. 💯

[@KO-ov6kg]

A lot of people do not know that almost all of the border towns along the US border with Mexico have "medical tourism" where people can get affordable dental care. All of the dentists have degrees from the USA (University of Baja California) and you can get crowns, implants and dentures in 24 hours. No where else in the world do dentists earn what they earn in the USA, it is shameful. My former husband, son and brother are all dental lab technicians. WIth implants gaining in popularity (because dentists push them on patients even though the failure rate is quite high) I had all my teeth crowned after extensive dental work at the age of 40, and the front bridge failed first, and I ended up having all of my upper teeth removed (in Mexico) and a denture made, and 5 years later, the lower went to denture. This is after spending over $100,000 over 20 years to American dentists.

[@judeflowers2813]

Holy shit!!!

[@jarrettgardner0628]

I am so sorry to hear about your dental situation! My dental situation is becoming bleak now at age 41. So are you saying in the long run that dentures hold up longer than dental implants and are the way to go to ensure a huge headache in the near future ?

[@jarrettgardner0628]

I live in Texas in Austin so I am gonna definitely take a look into this and thanks for the info on the "Mexico medical tourism". Is there a particular dentist / dental business in a particular Mexico border town you could recommend? Somewhere in Matamoros, Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Ciudad Acuña? Thank you in advance!

[@WaveRider1989]

@UCW9wbb0KPKsXLjwXu2p7WNQ just go to a dental place in Mexico, pay straight cash. It will save you way less money. My mom did her dental procedure in India for like $300, which it. Oats $5k in the US.

[@jarrettgardner0628]

I really need to make some contacts to meet some friendly dental amigos across the border. I can't stand American crooked doctors and all their bs and red tape bureaucracy anyways!

[@DellaDykeborn]

These investors care about the high quality of dentistry the same way oil company investors care about the environment, which is to say all they care about is their profits.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Frontline and public television are national treasures.

[@davidhardister8710]

Dental procedures for situations like infections should have to be covered by your medical insurance, seeing as this has implications for other body systems. It is patently absurd that health insurance does not have to cover dental emergencies. Dental insurance itself is not a solution because dental insurance covers virtually nothing.

[@el-hp1lj]

if i could rewind my life and change 1 thing, it would have been to take better care of my teeth

[@Unkuuu]

The tooth decay is also being accelerated by convenience foods like sodas and packaged sweets. Unfortunately, lower income people relay on these foods due to costs. Definitely as systemic problem.

[@simp2662]

Home vegetable gardening is possible. Fine skill to have, but quite easy to begin.

[@simp2662]

It is a field of where one can never know everything.

[@sanjaygandhi7962]

They eat these foods not because they are low cost but that they like the way they taste.

[@bettysmith4527]

If you read studies it is in fact NOT cost that determines how much junk food poor families eat, it's more about parents wanting to reward their kids with "something" since they cannot afford to buy them toys or go on vacations, they choose to say yes when their child wants a candy bar, because they have to say no to most other things. IMAGINE if people just stopped popping out kids they cannot afford, and stopped draining the tax payers!!

[@Unkuuu]

@@bettysmith4527 if they can’t afford to reward the children in other ways and turn to cheap treats as a reward them cost definitely has something to do with it. You contradicted your own talking point.

[@lizjoe21750]

Every time I go to my dentist's office, which is so often I feel like they should put me on payroll, I hear every other dentist in the office tell their patients they'll need multiple crowns. I hear it so often, and am told the same thing myself, that I've been suspicious of them for a long time. I'm lucky to be able to afford to pay cash for dental work. If I used Medicaid, I'd have to travel in at least a 20 mile radius to see a dentist who accepts it.

[@mailrafisoon]

It is TRUE!!! They look at your insurance and start their business. I went for a regular cleaning in 2003, and as soon as it was done, they came with 7 cavities! Three appointments for 3+2+2 filling! I was very new to the country and the procedure. I went for the next appointment, thinking about the cleaning. The dentist was ready to drill my teeth, and I stopped him. I switched dentists, and he didn't find any cavities. SURPRISE!!! After some years, I saw a different dentist. They did the same regular cleaning, and for the next appointment, they suggested deep cleaning ($1200), because regular cleaning is not good anymore. I agreed and did the deep cleaning. On the follow-up visit, they came up with a different issue and offered a free consultation ($8900). They clearly told me they were not going to do any more regular cleaning if I didn't do this procedure. I completely stopped going to the dentist for a few years. Now it's my fourth dentist! Good luck to me!

[@amberdavis5311]

This is a crisis! I need dental work so bad but I can't afford it!

[@DellaDykeborn]

How disgusting that those Alabama Dentists want to shut down those successfully serving and helping the poor. That one Alabama dentist showed his loathing for the poor when he said they couldn't even be bothered to show up. Now that someone is successfully treating them, he wants to shut down their care.

[@GoogleUser-wy2vv]

That was just awful... And to say they don't show up!

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

Yeah, that's messed up.

[@dominicdalton4346]

My teeth hurt just watching this. Even with dental insurance your paying an arm and a leg.

[@christinem979]

Very interesting. My youngest was treated at a Medi-caid only dental clinic. I had always thought a full metal grill was too much but I trusted they knew what they were doing. I also had to take him to a special clinic for the procedure where I wasn’t allowed to be with him. Those metal caps all fell out late and caused orthodontic issues within 3 years.

[@franny5295]

My son is 5 and has a mouthful of rotten teeth due to a vaccine injury. Long story I won't go into. I did the best I could until he got big enough to be still without sedation because I didn't want him to die getting his teeth fixed. I paid $3000.00 recently to get him fixed up. We started today. I just thank God that He has provided for us to do that.

[@clodiamandes7153]

They told me the same crap. Never believe it. I saw so many little kids tied to the beds while they were taking out their teeth to put the silver grills. So sad.

[@Tadesan]

I bet you circumcised him too. You ruined his life.

[@Tadesan]

@@franny5295 did you have his genitals mutilated too?

[@Cbd_7ohm]

You got finessed.

[@sharonolsen6579]

This is so hard to watch.. I FEEL the pain of these people.. !

[@nodnalneyugn8753]

i'm a dentist. increasing dental school tuitions is one of the BIGGEST reasons for high cost of dental-care. contact your representatives and ask them to lookin into exorbant dental schools tuitions. I absolutely guarantee to you guys that 99% of the dentists at those corporate chains are newly graduated dentists.

[@sunshine3914]

I 💯 agree with everything but the last part. While it makes complete sense, all the ones I’ve met working for corporate chains are there because of things like being under some legal conditions & just being downright self destructive.

[@lapinchechismosa]

Most Americans don’t go to the dentist because it’s so expensive 🥺

[@7YBzzz4nbyte]

It's expensive in my country too but at least the common insurance kicks in once you've during the year paid more than $327 then you pay only 50% up to $1636 and above that amount, you pay 15% and the other tax payers pick up the rest of your bill. If you're older than 23 years old, that is, it's free for the youngsters.

[@lapinchechismosa]

@@7YBzzz4nbyte very sad 😞

[@purifypurify7559]

u think most people in the world dont have the same issue, u spoiled americans just cant stop complaining

[@lapinchechismosa]

@@purifypurify7559 You set yourself a really low bar 🤡

[@clemclemson9259]

not true- most americans are lazy and wont even take care of home health care that is simple and effective

[@josephmontana2792]

Whenever I get a bad toothache I use my waterpik and the pain is gone. Every time… Thumbs up to spread the word to others

[@Colt-ii4qn]

I would think that is temporary relief, see a dentist 🦷

[@reginacarrithers4454]

I've heard nothing but horrible things about Aspen Dental. Doing unnecessary things and the most expensive things.

[@boeingdriver29]

This problem also exists in Australia where dentists can and do charge up to $1,000 per hour of service. Here the lines outside dental schools of students wanting to be dentists go around the block, not because of a desire to care for people but because of sheer greed. Dentists need to be limited in what they can charge by governments or have their license cancelled. The industry disgusts me.

[@louisedost8476]

Go on a dental vacation outside the U S

[@packageism]

Australia is not North Korea. What’s your occupation. Would you like the nanny state government to control your income? Dentists have HUGE bills to pay

[@sarahewson3607]

I couldn’t afford to take my kids to the dentist when they were little, but I also heard about the dentists that banned parents from the room. That was unacceptable to me and this documentary was an example of why. Imagine not being able to stop the procedure like this mother did?! Now my daughter is 18 and just started going to Aspen. Thank God she’s never had a cavity, but she does need to straighten her teeth so we’re dipping into savings. I know what it’s like to have a smile you’re not happy with, most of my teeth have broken away. I will probably wear a mask the rest of my life because it’s cheaper than dentures. Every dentist I’ve seen wants about $8k and there’s no way. Healthcare is only for the rich in the USA

[@myoldvhstapes]

See the "Orthotropics" channel about why moving just the teeth doesn't help in the long term. At middle age, I'm having a slow alternative to double jaw surgery (palatal and mandibular expanders) to redress the damage caused by classic teenage braces.

[@ebellyfish4256]

ADA President "These people are under-served..." Audience "Yeah, because too many of your dentists won't see them!"

[@donaldvincent]

I have "Good Dental Insurance" from the hospital where I work and I still cannot afford the recommended care. The same with my health insurance. After years of walking on the job I need both knees replaced and have needed surgery on my lower back (fall injury) for over 10 years but cannot afford the copays. Fortunately I was able to transfer to a job where I am seated all day. But I hurt like hell walking to my car at the end of the day. I guess this is modern America so I should be thankful to have insurance at all. It is just frustrating to pay premiums for something you know you cannot afford to use. 16 years to retirement and I will never make it.

[@rayherbst6655]

I understand. A few years ago, I may have had trouble understanding, but I sure understand now.

[@jodiecarlson6955]

Our insurance industry, medical/vision/dental, is the worst. It's all profit driven, and health does not matter at all.

[@ayomide1007]

Why is America's health care so horrible?

[@My-Pal-Hal]

They're Making Money. So everything is fine 😬😬 They need a toothless emoji. "😱" There ya go. Mouth Hurting. And no Eye Care Either 🤨

[@geoffrey6420]

God bless the doctors that put the well being of people before money.

[@debralittle1341]

This is a serious problem. My sister and I searched for an oral surgeon for two years. None of them where I live take Medicaid. It was due to a happenstance email to my sister that I'm getting help now. Thankfully she is allowed to take time from work when she needs to buy this is vacation time She's doing this to help me and has to drive me to another town for dental care. Thank God for all of these people.

[@claudiamariebermudez6727]

Heart breaking! We need more money for education, prevention, and treatment!!!

[@clemclemson9259]

yea throw more money at it... that always works

[@nojo1710]

I have private dental insurance and it covers almost nothing. I spent over $6,000 this year on dental care

[@willettej7988]

Same with me. I spent almost $7k I took out of my retirement to get just routine stuff done. Now I need to replace a bridge (5k) and have 3 old crowns replaced (6k). I’m not spending all my retirement money on dentists. I’ll have a great smile 6 ft under.

[@antoniobanderas9769]

Come to Mexico with that amount of money

[@Malkiore1]

I had a Dentist I saw for years and when I first start seeing him he was quite older. He had been a Dentist for over 47 years when he retired feeling he could live well for the rest of his life and afford a trip or 2 as he put it to me. He trained and then sold his practice to what we all called his second in command. A female Dentist who was only 27 and at 43 she basically does not do anything but run the place and is only in the office twice a week just to over see things. She has 5 Dentist who do the work for her now. It took my orginal Dentist most of his life to retire well and it took her less than 20 years to have 5 Dentist working under her. That is owed a lot to prices these days. I mean my Mother took me to the Dentist all the time as a kid and my Sister cannot afford to hardly do much for her kids. The Dental pricing is just out of control.

[@TwoBs]

I’m glad there are dentists that take Medicaid and work with lower class families to fix one’s teeth, however, people are much better off going with a dentist that isn’t a part of a big chain name (like the Kool Smiles place talked about here in the documentary). Best to have a dentist you know will always be your dentist that has a staff that you see regularly - no constant switching around and new faces whenever you visit due to how much people they see. That way you can form a better bond with your dentist and actually have someone that wants to do what’s best for you and your kid.

[@rgcwow]

Dentistry in the USA is an organized money grubbing racket. Simply compare USA dental rates to other countries with equal quality care - outrageous! Notwithstanding most dental care should be integral in Medicare & Medicaid.

[@neoncat9573]

The woman who answered questions in a vague, repetitive manner ("Our focus is to present quality care") : Her reluctance to answer only serves to create distrust in Kool Smiles. Looking at what the kids and the mothers are going through, it would be "kool" if Kool Smiles went out of business. The investigative reporter, Miles O'Brien, did a wonderful job!

[@Jordi7174]

And in America most dental policies suck. They just swindle you out of your money.

[@dertythegrower]

Real talk, and we ALL know it, even they do.

[@n3bruce]

When dental insurance (edit) as bad as it is in this country was first introduced, the dentists responded by raising their prices.

[@TaraConti]

Here’s a little fact that might piss you off. In 1976 Delta Dental‘s benefit was $1200 a year. I left the field of dentistry in 2014 and I believe the Delta dental yearly benefit was still $1200! Now I was born in 77 but obviously you could get a lot more for $1200 in 76 than you could in 2014. I think Delta‘s yearly benefit right now is still $1200. There may be other plans that cost more that might get you $2000 per year. Whoo hoo! 🙄 (Oh and don’t forget about those waiting periods!)

[@n3bruce]

@@TaraConti From a risk underwriters point of view, trying to make money by insuring dental care is not a great business model. Insurance works best for random and unpredictable events, like a fire or tornado, not things like eyeglasses and dentistry, which for a given person are fairly predictable expenses. I was sad that my old dentist I had when I was a kid passed away some years ago, it was just him and his wife, he did good work and was reasonable. My current dentist has a multi-generational practice, but definitely charges more and keeps up on ways to enhance their income.

[@blkhemi3925]

I have dental insurance through United Healthcare. It doesn't pay for much at all. 1 free cleaning/1 free exam once a year. dental procedures are on at an 80/20 rate up and taps out at $2,000 a year. 1 cap is $1,400. 1 extraction is $800. Root Canal $1,200. So, basically my dental insurance allows for 1 dental procedure per year. Additionally, my insurance plan doesn't cover some x-ray's, like that panoramic one that does the entire mouth. It doesn't pay for anistesia. It doesn't pay for prescriptions. Doesn't pay for braces. Doesn't pay for dentures. This is considered a good dental insurance plan. My teeth are in terrible condition, (most of which extends from childhood poverty) and are getting worse as time goes on because I simply can't afford the procedures.

[@ryderdriver954]

The American Dental Association spokesperson talk about how the alternatives are not favorable while speaking with a full mouth of teeth. What a hypocrite. As the reporter said, when you have a toothache, 70% of a trained dentist is better than 0% of a trained dentist. All options need to be explored to get people immediate care.

[@MostafaMansoori]

Great documentary, truly love these documentaries that are so significant in our society here in America. I love all these insights and stories.

[@nynettesass8328]

How very sad. It's all about money. The greed is incredible. Your health system is pretty screwed up!

[@drpius]

I am a retired Dentist, I semi specialized in EMERGENCY CARE , FOR 33 YEARS I AM A UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Graduate MY ADVICE TO ALL PEOPLE IN NEED IS TO BUUSH WITH BAKING SODA ALL YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL UNTIL YOU CAN GET TO A DENTIST . AS SOON AS POSSIBLE , put an ice bag on the outside , take your usual pain medication. BEST TREATMENT IS. PRACTICE PREVENTION . "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

[@holgerr.2454]

about prevention, dentists in Germany tell you the exact same.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Thank you!

[@rachs57]

Thank you Miles, I'm 69 and wasted 1/3 of my hard earned pension ($19K) on failed dental work I will continue to put off having ANY further repairs or work done. My local PA dentist advertised himself as a premier dental implant provider, but had seen me as a walk-in emergency. He repeatedly, as did his techs and office manager, tried selling me on implants which I personally find dangerous, as if one might have an organ transplant (just one woman's opinion). He would pull down his cheeks to demonstrate how deformed my face would become without implants. But again, thank you because watching this, through tears, I am so happy for Vanessa and hope her future is bright and the wonderful dentists who cared enough to make it happen for her.

[@myoldvhstapes]

I agree about implants (and feel similar about root canals.) Check out the "Orthotropics" channel. Proper tongue placement can help put the jaws and cheek muscles in a good placement at any age.

[@MB-kc1tl]

I know of a Dentist who does pretty much the same thing to all his patients. He shoves a care credit application in their face and give them 2 care plans. One is upwards of $15,000 and the other is upwards of $30,000. I went to another Dentist and he told me 80% of what the dirtbag proposed was unnecessary.

[@41357500]

a crown for a child? insane

[@bettysmith4527]

Right, they need to start right at the source of the problem, the parents!

[@41357500]

@@bettysmith4527 sometimes doctors will sell anything

[@Luminousplayer]

you know well in advance how things go when the question is basically "so there is a strong incentive to charge as much as possible?" and the answer begins with " here at _____ we strive to provide high quality....." , you know the answer is corporate BS.

[@jamesr.vanpattenjr.8963]

It should be covered by Healthcare. Because bad teeth causes heart attacks and other major health issues.

[@luminatez1783]

I was told there was only 1 place to take my son to while he was on medicaid. The dentist INSISTED I agree to let him put 7 caps on my sons BABY teeth. My son is autistic and specifcally has a texture dysfunction. All I asked to have done was pull what was clearly a very rotten baby tooth. He flat out refused to do even that unless I agreed to 7 caps being put in. I wasn't happy my kiddo had to sit with a fully rotten baby tooth in his mouth but the alternative being caps put on barely a cavity on them baby teeth that my son would likely have forcibly tried to remove, harming himself in the process wasn't worth it. Thankfully as my son has grown he's slowly became more accepting of certain things and can now brush and use mouthwash without the complete meltdowns that often ended in self harm. It's been really rough to watch what he puts himself through to avoid certain things. Autism is hard on any parent. The last thing parents should be put through is dentists that try to maximize every dollar they can get for even ridiculous things like caps on baby teeth with barely any cavity that will come out any ways naturally. We need better checks and balances for what they are allowed to do.

[@dlvox5222]

Thanks you guys for providing awareness to this. Much overlooked.

[@marcellesmith6432]

I worked in the Dental field for over 15 years . I have seen some very shady work regarding Medicaid patients who were adults . I have seen some good dental care for the Medicaid children also some shady stuff with them too . This is a real problem. I understand Dentist go to school a long time and deserve a good paying salary. But truly something needs to be done about the affordability for dental care . Even with insurance it can be quite expensive. Of course preventive care is the best , but let’s face it , there is not much money in that . The elderly definitely have it the worst . But we also need to focus on care for the younger generation. I thinks it’s wonderful that some doctors give back through charity work. A lot of folks get in the gap when they lose their jobs.

[@kmvenezia4337]

Makes ya proud to be an American. Quick, get that flag and wave it.

[@puravida5683]

I sold my house and belongings in the U.S., bought a beachfront home in Costa Rica, and moved there permanently. I recently had a full mouth All-On-4, upper and lower titanium implant done in Costa Rica. With a discount, my total price was $15,000.00. What a bargain, compared to $40,000.00-$50,000.00 for the same materials and procedure in the U.S. Because of the high robbery prices of U.S. dentistry, thousands of people are obtaining cheaper dental care abroad.

[@kjmax1068]

I am shocked. In NZ dental is free until sometime in high school USA is a tough place to live by all accounts

[@laurenmenelli1393]

My family couldn't afford to take my sisters and I to the dentist as children until I was in about fourth grade. I didn't really understand what happens if you didn't brush because I had never experienced a problem from not brushing. When I finally went I had eight cavities and I'm surprised nothing more. I would have brushed more if I knew what would happen if I didn't and got regular cleanings, and that would have stopped me from getting all of those cavities. Early dental care is important but there's so many people who can't afford it.