Why Payment Plans Hurt ALL-ON-4 Implant Success

Dr. H responds to a question asked today in consultation. Why Dream stopped doing partial payment plans and requires payment in full or a third party escrow to ensure funds are available once the healing phase is complete.

[TylerBrackin]

Ok, so as a denture wearing person I have input. The day I went into debt for my teeth was the worst day of my life! I was born with soft enamel on my teeth, my life choices weren't the best or wisest and effected my teeth as well. I took care of them as best I could growing up, middle low class house hold so we didn't have money to fix things when I was little. As an adult I lost several teeth over a period of time from stupid stuff, eating pb&j, chips, bite of apple, all took its tole. Eventually ending with me getting all of my lower and top teeth pulled. I know the sunk in look, I feel the late night hours of doing things in the dark so no one sees me, I hide still with dentures in. I to this day have my Temps due to the high costs of getting things repaired or replaced. I do my own fittings at home with a Dremel tool. Single income, 3 kids and they come first. Haven't tasted food in 6yr plus, we all do what we have to, but I can tell you if it was more affordable people would be able to help themselves. Not complaining just a statement, I am sure you do a great job and have excellent workmanship, but dentist have exploited your mouth. As you said in the end, it's about quality of life right, well I am happy and healthy and my family is too, I suffer silently in the dark because the cost of your "quality" life style isn't meant for everyone I guess 😉. We all do what we have to

[samhell]

I hear ya doc, in regard to the reason you no longer do surgeries until the patient has the full balance. But, hear me out…I as well as others would love to know what the actual material cost is to a dentist that does this work. I know you have your own lab, so for you it’s all about materials. Labor costs would vary from market to market but material costs are the same across the board.

Now, having said that I know you’re not going to give those details. But, from a patients point of view the jump from actual material costs+labor to the price most implant dental centers charge is absolutely astronomical!

Going a step further, if your average case is $50k you have to understand and realize that the average American doesn’t make that much in an entire year! Let alone have enough in the bank to afford this procedure.

You’re essentially clearing more in ONE day from ONE surgery than the average American will earn in 12 months. That’s staggering. And, it’s also the reason so many people will never be able to afford this procedure. I can only imagine how many patients you’d see in a year if your average cost was half that. My guess is, you’d be booked out a year or more in your schedule.

These surgeries are being done every day in other countries for literally a fraction of what american dentists charge. It’s why dental tourism exists. When two people can go to Cancun, have the procedure, stay for two weeks making a vacation out of it, and come home having spent half of what they would have in America, somethings wrong.

And yes, I know the surgery is life changing for those who need it. I don’t doubt that for a minute. And of course they will feel it’s money well spent. But, when american dentists know that people are mortgaging their homes, selling vehicles, working three jobs, taking out loans with outrageous interest rates, and going deep into debt just so they can EAT and SMILE, it has to feel a little bit wrong deep down in your soul knowing what someone has had to sacrifice for the procedure.

Please understand, we know dentists have to put food on their tables, pay bills and want to afford some fun things in life, too. But, I can honestly say I couldn’t work in a profession where I’m asking someone to mortgage their life, just so they can eat again.

I’ll never live to see this day, but I hope in the future a day comes where some dentists, some place in America, see the absolute crisis right in front of them and treats it as such, at a fair and reasonable price.

[TechGorilla.]

I went to Istanbul and got them done for just under $7, 000 top and bottom that included the bone graft the sinus lift the 3D scan and they had a beautiful office better than the ones in USA they had 12 actors from USA that went there I got Titanium, Straumann Dental Implants
done with no acrylic gums!!!! you don’t want acrylic gums because it gets food underneath it turns out bad I saved 50, 000 they use the same product or better!!

[alexandruoanca]

Hei Doc, i am an oral surgeon from Norway, i bump into your videos ancidentatly on youtube, i think i rewatched your surgical videos 3 times each.Great protocols you have and great team.I can tell you that i learned somethibg from your videos, even from this.Thanks.P.s please continue posting some surgical videos:)🤣

[el]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's also important to acknowledge if a patient values our work, he or she we have a better appreciation for their own prosthesis.

[thisthingcalledlife]

My situation is different...I HAVE PAID IN FULL...BUT THE DENTIST JUST CANT GET ANYTHING RIGHT...IM STILL IN TEMPS A YEAR PLUS LATER...AND NOW I DONT WANT TO PROCEDE ANY FUTHER..SEEKING A REFUND FOR THE WORK THAT HASNT BEEN COMPLETED...HAVING A ROUGH TIME...BUT IM HEADING TO COURT...TO RECOUP FUNDS!

[Mister_MasterzRN]

Watching this as a chew popcorn with my temps I had for over a year. 😕 thanks for keeping it real.

[josephmcvey]

Guys unless you save 40k cash on the low end your not getting all on 4 top and bottom period iv done multiple consultation I dont need extra work done ima easier case according to the clinics so start saving hard.

[debbiefeighner]

I can see where you’re coming from Dr. Hendricks. So many people have the best intentions, but then things…life happens. Thank you for commenting on my last video I watched of yours about my epilepsy. The surgeons were even amazed the day of surgery how bad my tongue had been bitten over the years from all the grand mal seizures. That’s how I broke my front tooth out, I fell straight forward on a cement floor with a seizure. When the Dr’s at IU Dental Center realized all my medical issues and I told them years ago a dentist was filling a tooth and I went into a seizure during this. He had to end up having several stitches in his finger because I bit down so hard. I was in my 20’s. But when I woke up from the seizure and found out what I did, I cried and cried. But the Dentist came over and talked to me and said it was “nothing” and soothed my fears. He was the nicest dentist, reminds me a lot like you. So when they do my implants it’s gonna be in the hospital under general anesthesia just like when they extracted my teeth. May I send you a before and after picture of myself ….before implants, after implants? Blessings to you always in the beautiful country of Utah. Mrs. Debbie Feighner/ Fort Wayne, Indiana

[Ed-dero]

Dr. H, I just came across your video and it's wonderful to hear you speak on this type of issues and more. Great job, honesty is the best policy when it comes to sharing. Keep up the good work and never lost faith.

[mariedonigan]

I’m in the process now ( 4 weeks) since having 6 implants placed. (Full upper) Have temporary teeth for show…. My dentist is amazing.
I have been hiding from friends and family because I feel embarrassed for having to do this at 51. I hope in time I’ll gain confidence.

Next year I have to do the lowers.

[SarahBoonesPencil]

I love that you care. My temps suck and i wish i could of come to you. Im 2 months in. Im ready for the finish line.

[kwilliamson]

As for the "Change your Life Statement" I have often wounded how many times I wasn't given opportunities or respect because of the way my teeth look.

[Poshyjen]

I’m not gonna lie I’m at the beginning of my journey trying to work out budget and finances. But wow… you gave a very powerful message I truly honestly appreciate that from the bottom of my heart. I’ve lived many years being ashamed and having paralyzing fear to do anything about it. Thank you for being so caring not judging. Wish I wasn’t so far away I’d so come to your practice. Coming out there just isn’t in my cards. But thank you for what you do and your compassion.

[seancoughlin]

Man everything u said around the 9 min mark about the "imagine" is on point cause I imagine that everyday.. And the statements around the end are so true. The quality of life is gona be night n day when I'm able to sit in ur chair.. I'm in Philadelphia pa and talked to one of ur employees and tried to set a day to come out but it just didn't work out yet.. I'm gona call tomoro and make it a priority to get out to u within the next couple of weeks the passion u have for ur patients shows in every video u make

[andie]

But with cars you can make smaller payments. I’ve bought a new car with smaller payments because I couldn’t afford a one lump sum for a less expensive older vehicle…

[ReneeW.]

So happy to see you’re back uploading Doc. Where have you been? 🥲 I’ve missed your wonderful uploads so much & hope to see you uploading more soon. I hope all is well🙏🏼

[billyjacoby]

Doc is speaking from his heart and he really do care I feel it in my spirit man (nothing spooky) as I listen to him now and in the pass. I live in Atlanta, GA and will be traveling soon to have him to do the complete implants I desire to have. There will be no haggling because he is one rare, gifted, & honest doctor. He is not out to just take your money but to help you be a better you @ a great fare price in the doing so. I have not been compensated to say what you read. In fact I’ve Never spoke to the doctor, I follow him on YouTube. Nuff Said. GBU Doc & I Will see you soon. I’ve done my homework.👌

[PacificMoceans]

I’ll be sure to take care of the finances and scrape everything together so my husband can come to you, paying everything in FULL 🙏💕💯😍🙌 Thank you so much!!

[josefinadelgado]

Yuo are a good man blessed whit enormes talent very caring