_God_

However, his analogy is a good one, in my opinion.

It might put matters in perspective to look at this from another viewpoint. This dentist's office, if it's in an area with high real estate prices, probably costs him $200/hour or so to stay open. He also discounted his fee 30%. He doesn't get paid for spending extra time with you.

A nearly identical scenario would be if a student asked you for help in your class, and giving him help not only involved giving back 30% of your salary for that time, but it cost you $200/hour. How long would you be willing to engage in conversation with this student? Especially if he spent some of the time telling you that since he reads a lot, he should only have to turn in half as many writing assignments as everyone else? I'll bet it wouldn't be as long as the dentist spent talking to you. And don't forget, Another factor that might have been on his mind is that when people are told (usually at an older age than you) that they have gum disease, many are only too happy to blame the dentist they've been seeing. If he documents that you were told the possible problems that might result from insufficient cleanings, or the lack of orthodontic treatment, he won't be much of a target for a lawsuit.

It's perfectly okay to say, "I don't want braces, I don't want to have my teeth cleaned more than once a year, and I'm willing to accept the potential consequences of my decision," but instead, you seem to be stretching for logical-sounding reasons not to follow his recommendations. "But I brush my teeth X times a day" and "But what if I'm one of those people who don't need cleanings that often" don't seem to be convincing him or his hygienist, and they probably have a pretty good idea of who can get away with fewer cleanings, and who can't.

You're absolutely correct that it is your decision. Perhaps you will disagree, perhaps not, but my reading of your posts gives me the feeling that you've got a very large dislike of this dentist. What is not easily discernible is whether this is because he's a jerk, or because he's telling you something you don't want to hear. What IS evident is that any further recommendations he makes are likely to be regarded by you as criticisms, or attempts to line his pockets. That being the case, it would probably be for the best if you changed to another dentist who's more compatible with your mindset. One caveat: You'd better stay away from any HMO-type of office. Those places are all about nickels and dimes, and you aren't about to get any warm fuzzies from them. What you WILL get is a crash course in what high-pressure salesmanship involves.

Having had crooked teeth as a child, I am well aware that they can hugely detract from a person's appearance. My decision was to have them straightened. Some people choose not to--lousy teeth don't seem to bother this guy, and he's the head of a very large oil company:



In general, however, unattractive teeth can hold you back professionally. That's what seems to have happened here,although he doesn't seem to care.



I admit, this is an exaggeration, but if he worked for you, would you put him in a position to interact with clients? People judge you by your teeth (and your breath) more than you would think.


There are other options. "Spa-type" dental offices are appearing. You can get a massage, a pedicure, or whatever at them, along with your cleaning. Bear in mind that you will pay for the privilege.

Refer to the thread about the kid who didn't wake up. More and more "sedation dentists" are springing up, though.