You often hear you get what you pay for. I know I need to find a dentist, but I really don’t have a lot of money. Would I be foolish to seek out an “affordable dentist”? Are they affordable for a reason?

Jason B. – Florida

Jason,

It all depends on how you go about it. If you’re simply looking for the lowest price, that could end up biting you in the end. There is a difference between a cheap dentist and an affordable dentist.

A cheap dentist cuts corners with materials or tries to run patients through quickly. Both “techniques” are designed to help them make up the income from their bottom of the barrel pricing.

An affordable dentist finds ways to keeps costs down, without compromising patient care. So, how do you tell the difference between the two?

It’s fine to do a search for an affordable dentist. But, the next step would be to read their patient reviews. What do people who’ve already been to their practice say about them? Did they feel rushed? Did they have problems with the work done after a few weeks? Were they thrilled?

If a dentist has slightly higher prices, but great reviews, it will be worth it. Most dentists are willing to work with you on payments anyway.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.