What are the pros and cons to going to a "franchise" dentist?

Our family is faced with having to change dentists because of insurance reasons.....and the only ones covered under our dental insurance now are those who are affiliated with dental franchises----like Allcare or Bright Now Dental, etc., we had gone to our regular dentist anyway but the insurance only paid him $22.50 of the $112 billed for a bi-annual cleaning, which should be covered 100% under our plan, so they billed us $30 each to the tune of $120. We can't afford that twice a year PLUS why should we pay that for a service that should be 100% covered, that would just be bad money management.





So, I was wondering why would a dentist become affiliated with one of these franchises instead of opening their own practice? Does it have anything to do with their ability or test scores? Is it simply because they are in debt from dental school and can't afford their own practice?





Does anyone have any input?

What are the pros and cons to going to a "franchise" dentist?
You ask a very good question and one that is a topic of conversation at every dental meeting. In some cases the dentist who wants to be in a franchise situation is looking to avoid the management responsibility he or she would face in a private practice. You did however touch on a real issue when you asked about dentist skills. It's well known that there are many dentist in franchise operations whose skill level are questionable. There are some very fine dentists in franchises who simply want a 9 to 5 job and a check at the end of the week....You didn't ask but many franchise dental offices are owned and operated by dentist who have a great capacity to over see several operations and are very very good with people skills. They also generate, in some cases, an extraordinarily high level of income from their franchises.
Reply:I personally do not like Dentist in a Franchise type Dental office. Often they are new to the field and this is just in the mean time kind of job for them. I also think these type of Dental places charge more and try to get you to de more cosmetic dental work other than just keeping your teeth healthy. I recently visited an Aspen Dental because I had not gone to the dentist in 3 years and was scared what my regular dentist would think. Well I am certainly not going back there. They seem to over book and just want to get you in and out and to take alot more of your money. I am going back to my regular Dentist. He owns his buisness Dentists that have there own practice take the time to know you and want to do what is best. Try looking for a private owned Dentist that takes you insurance before you use one of those franchise dentist. They will milk you dry.

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