October 11, 2007 Dentists: Only for the wealthy?
As an independent web developer, I’m sensitive to the issue of being responsible for heavy taxes, expensive insurance, and paying for medical expenses out of pocket. That’s why I was struck by today’s New York Times [article][nyt] on the rising costs of dentistry in the US.
Here’s a quote [Jason Kottke][kottke] picked up in his post about the article:
> “Most dentists consider themselves to be in the business of dentistry rather than the practice of dentistry,” said Dr. David A. Nash, a professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Kentucky. “I’m a cynic about my profession, but the data are there. It’s embarrassing.
The Times piece notes that average American adults spend about $600 per year for dental care. Many lower-income folks can’t afford these sorts of costs.
[nyt]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/business/11decay.html?ei=5090&en=90706e3e81ffd582&ex=1349755200&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all “Boom Times for Dentists, but Not for Teeth”
[kottke]: http://www.kottke.org/remainder/07/10/14267.html “Jason Kottke’s post”