ALL I WANTED

This year was exciting because the medicare advantage plan that I selected included dental and vision. At the beginning of January, called the advantage plan's customer service representative. The customer service confirmed that my dentist of four years isn't in their network. Since that was the case, requested a pdf of dental offices near me. In a matter of minutes, received the email. Quickly, reviewed the lengthy list for general dentists. Found Dr. Kristin C. that was in the network.

Googled the office. After filling out the paperwork online, scheduled an appointment for Thursday afternoon, the 19th of January, and requested Dr. C.

Arriving fifteen minutes before my appointment, reminded the front office personnel that I requested Doctor Kristen C. Immediately was informed that she hasn't been in their office for two years. Not good, but proceeded to inform them that my hearing aids can not be worn while having x-rays done.

Between x-rays and teeth scanning, was in a dental chair which was positioned at a low-level parallel to the floor laying completely horizontal. Before I knew it, I was in a vertical position, like the Statue of Liberty, and was feeling scared and nauseated.

By the way, I am still clueless as to what and why the position movement was all about. It was definitely sickening!

Honestly, all I needed and wanted was a regular maintenance cleaning. However, Doctor was recommending a deep cleaning and crowns on tooth 12 and tooth 28. I reiterated that I wanted a regular cleaning. I have never had a deep cleaning before. In the past, I have seen a periodontal dentist for an implant. However, the cleaning that was done in her office was not a deep cleaning but a regular maintenance cleaning.

Then, the doctor gives me his analogy,  "Patient has a broken arm. The doctor says it needs a cast, and the patient, says he wants a band-aid."

I say, "It's a good analogy." While thinking, there is a big difference between a broken bone and teeth maintenance.

Really, all I wanted was a regular maintenance cleaning.

Really, yes, really, all I wanted was a regular maintenance cleaning.

From the x-ray/dental technician, Miss B., Dr. Him, and Ms. E the hygienist, all three were telling me that I needed a deep cleaning. It was overkill or overselling. I felt like I was being coerced.

My response was, "I do not know whether my dental insurance will cover a deep cleaning!" Which was the truth!

A few minutes later, Mr. J, the receptionist comes towards me with the proposed treatment plan in hand. Here we go again, he is selling it too. Mr. J said, "I had it done half at a time and could tell a big difference."

That's good for him. There are disadvantages to having a deep cleaning, but he never mentioned that.

Mr. J continued the sales pitch, "Your insurance would cover a portion $973.60 leaving you with $470.00 to pay. With the follow-up appointment in a month and two others would be covered, the final one for the year would be out of pocket."

Of course, in small print, the verbiage at the bottom of the treatment plan reads, "Insurance coverage is only an estimate. Guarantor is responsible for all treatment not covered by insurance. Prices good for 60 days."

Before going to the appointment on the 23rd, that's this Monday morning, will reach out to my medicare advantage customer service. Since I do not have good feelings and vibes about the appointment, I think it's a good idea to talk to my medicare advantage person about my concerns.

Never had a phobia about seeing a dentist before. Feeling dizzy thinking about it, did I mention that all I wanted was a regular maintenance cleaning?