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SATELLITE INTERVIEW ALERT
Drilling for Dollars: How Dentists Rip Us Off
Exclusive Investigation: How Honest Are Dentists?
William Ecenbarger
Investigative Journalist
Reader's Digest
John Dodes, D.D.S., Chairman
Taskforce on Misinformation in Dentistry
National Council Against Health Fraud
Tuesday, January 28th
11 AM - 1 PM EST
Americans spend nearly $42 billion a year on their teeth. But are dentists only drilling for dollars?
An exclusive undercover investigation by Reader's Digest reveals that there are startlingly inconsistent diagnoses from one dentist to the next -- and an astounding disparity in the fees they charge. The special report is in the February issue, which will be available at newsstands nationwide on Tuesday, January 28th.
Before setting off on his 28-state investigation, award-winning journalist William Ecenbarger underwent a series of exams by an independent panel of distinguished dentists with no financial interest in the state of his teeth. Their consensus was that work was needed on just one molar, and perhaps a second. Estimated fair cost: around $500, up to $1,500 at most.
Then, Ecenbarger went to 50 randomly selected dentists with a set of X-rays and told them all the same story: that he was new to the area, wanted to maintain good oral health, and needed their opinion on what had to be done. He also mentioned that his dental costs were covered by a direct-reimbursement plan.
Some of the recommendations were reasonable. Many were outrageous, including a Memphis dentist who said Ecenbarger needed crowns on all 28 of his teeth at a cost of more than $13,000, a Salt Lake City practitioner who said he needed a full-mouth reconstruction for nearly $20,000, and a Park Avenue, New York dentist who estimated $29,850 for 21 crowns plus veneer on six lower teeth.
And, adding insult to injury -- 15 of the 50 dentists missed the original molar problem entirely, and less then half did oral-cancer and periodontal screenings recommended as part of any thorough exam.
On Tuesday, January 28th, William Ecenbarger will be available for one-on-one interviews, as will John Dodes, DDS, chairman of the National Council Against Health Fraud's Taskforce on Misinformation in Dentistry, and a member of Ecanbarger's independent panel. Ecenbarger can discuss some of the experiences he encountered and elaborate on the findings. Dr. Dodes can talk about the state of American dentistry in general, and the challenges it faces in light of this report.
Simulated b-roll of patients and dentists will be provided. We can also provide you with National Council Against Health Fraud contacts in your area, should you care to localize this story.
If you are interested in booking interviews with either Ecenbarger or Dodes, please contact, Todd Dezen at DWJ Television, 1-800-766-1711 X271.
Document last modified on: 01/16/97