Dentist expects me to pay almost double what insurance pays

[neophyte]

Went to my dentist today and asked if todays bill was the same amount as the insurance companies paid them. They told me I was lucky to pay a higher price because the lower price the insurance companies paid was because of all the advertising they do for the dentists. Their name is in the list of participating doctors and dentists. I feel disrespected. I asked if the practice pays their employees 66% higher than the going rate. They didn't like my question. I didn't get the procedure done and am looking for another dentist.

Am I wrong?

[David in FL]

Nothing wrong with shopping around, but as a rule, dentists don't accept the standard and customary rates that the insurance companies deem appropriate in the same manner that most physicians do.  I'm not quite sure why the difference, but it's there.  In my experience, even with pretty good (a relative term.....) dental insurance, you'll end up paying some on top of what the insurance has already paid.  Sometimes by a pretty substantial margin.

But again......no harm in shopping around.  I'm about to switch too.

[Golfingdad]

Dentists, if they're good, can charge whatever the heck they want, in my opinion.  I have an amazing dentist currently, and didn't really realize until I found her how bad some of my previous dentists were.  She was a godsend.  She's already in my will.

(No shes not)  ;)

But seriously ... doctors (not talking about surgeons here) look at pictures of my bones, tell me to put ice on it, and write me prescriptions.  Dentists have to be trusted with drilling holes near nerves in my face!!!

A good dentist is EVERYTHING.