Mary Otto, a journalist focused on social issues and author of "Teeth," teams up with Dr. Lisa Simon, a general dentist and internal medicine physician, to unpack the complexities of dental care. They explore the historical divide between dentistry and medicine, revealing how this impacts patient trust and care. With personal anecdotes, they discuss the frustrating nature of dental insurance and systemic gaps in accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations. They advocate for integrating dental and medical practices to improve patient outcomes.
The lack of upfront cost estimates for dental procedures creates confusion and vulnerability among patients, fostering skepticism about dental care.
The historical separation between dentistry and medicine contributes to mistrust in dental recommendations, highlighting the need for potential integration of both fields.
Deep dives
Confusion Surrounding Dental Costs
Navigating the costs associated with dental care in the U.S. often creates confusion and skepticism among patients. Many individuals, like the podcast caller Matt, feel uncertain about the financial aspects of dental procedures, as they often receive treatment recommendations without upfront cost estimates. This lack of clarity contrasts sharply with general medical procedures, where recommendations typically come with a clearer understanding of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Consequently, patients may feel vulnerable, akin to being scammed, when faced with sudden expenses for procedures that they may not fully understand.
The Historical Divide Between Medicine and Dentistry
The longstanding separation between dentistry and medicine has significantly contributed to the perception of dental care being optional or dismissive of overall health. This divide dates back to the 19th century when the medical field did not initially recognize dentistry's importance, leading dentists to establish their own educational institutions. As a result, dental practices evolved independently, creating distinct experiences for patients that differ from typical medical appointments. The historical tension continues today, fostering a belief among some patients that dentists may be incentivized to recommend unnecessary services.
Patient Experiences and Trust Issues
Many patients report feeling judged and anxious about their oral health during dental visits, impacting their overall experience. This feeling of judgment is a significant concern for individuals, leading to discomfort in discussing their care freely with their dentists. This issue is further complicated by the economic structure of dental insurance, which often feels more like a discount plan rather than comprehensive coverage, leaving patients wary of their provider's motives. Experts highlight that the financial model in dentistry can make it difficult for patients to trust their dentist's recommendations, resulting in reluctance to follow through with proposed treatment plans.
The Need for Integration in Health Care
There are ongoing discussions about the potential benefits of integrating dental and medical practices to create a more cohesive health care system. Experts argue that merging these fields could enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. For instance, enabling better communication between medical and dental teams could help ensure that conditions affecting dental health are managed in concert with overall medical care. Despite recognizing the potential advantages, experts acknowledge the substantial barriers imposed by historical separation, regulations, and vested interests within the dental industry that may impede meaningful reform.
(Guest episode) Matt wants to know how to tell if he’s being scammed by his dentist. To find the answer, we open up the surprising history of dentistry, ask why it seems so different from internal medicine, and drill down on why dental insurance doesn’t really feel like insurance. Explain It To Me's host Jonquilyn Hill talks with journalist Mary Otto and Dr. Lisa Simon, DMD, MD, to find the answers.