A View from Main Street: Toothy tale ends well

A lady I know who works here in town shared a story that's got some bite to it. According to the woman, a salesman came into her Hesperia office peddling a special dental visit that included teeth whitening, exam and X-rays, all for just $60. Since she didn't have a regular dentist, she made an appointment with the Hesperia dentist the salesman represented. (Although she hadn't been to the dentist in some time, the woman is a professional businessperson known for her sunshiney attitude and big bright smile.)

After filling about eight pages of forms she was shown to the dentist. Hoping for a good report, she got the contrary. "He said my teeth were really filthy" despite the fact that she brushes them three times a day and flosses at least once. Surprised, she felt embarrassed.

"He told me that my teeth were so bad that I'd have to have all this stuff done before they could even clean them."

He gave her an itemized list of dental work he wanted to perform: repair fillings, fix a cracked tooth, provide veneers, deep cleaning ' the works. The written estimate came to a whopping $26,500, but since she had the original coupon he said he would lower the amount to $15,770. And if she had insurance, which she does, it would cost only $10,230. After paying for the expensive dental work, she would receive the teeth whitening solution, he said.

Stunned, the woman said she'd have to think about it and left the dental office. Fortunately for the woman, she shared her toothy tale with business friends who suggested another Hesperia dental office where a young dentist, fresh out dental school, has been known to give excellent service. The lady decided to not tell the new dentist about her first experience here in town.

The second dentist said her teeth were in generally good shape and her fillings were secure, not falling out. Bringing an immense smile, at the end of the visit a dental worker handed her the bill - only $52 out of pocket for cleaning, x-rays and exam.

While we don't know if the first dentist's teeth whitening discount sales ploy is legal or not, it seems smart to seek a second opinion when it comes to your health or anything else where thousands of dollars are at stake. After all, it's your money - and teeth - we're talking about.