How Much Dental Care Do You Need? No More and No Less

Why prescribing the right level of dental care  matters most

Has this ever happened to you? 

You go to a dentist for a regular check-up.  It’s been a little while, so you’re a little concerned, though you’ve brushed and flossed regularly.  The dentist, however, finds a lot wrong. Way more than you thought.  Now, you’re scared of what will happen if you don’t get it done. And you aren’t sure how you’ll ever afford the unexpected procedures.  Worst of all, the scheduling consultant is asking you if next week will work for you and handing you a bill.  

This is a worst-case scenario, but it’s happening at many dental offices.  New equipment that may or may not be necessary is highlighting new procedures that may or may not be necessary.  To make matters even harder to finalize, you’re starting to lose trust in your dentist.  

This should never happen.  Trust between patients and dentists is paramount.

Unfortunately, some dental practices over-prescribe services, leading to negative impacts on patients' trust, financial well-being, and overall health. Striking the right balance—prescribing no more and no less than what a patient needs—is what we at Garrison Dental and every dental office should commit to doing.

Note that it’s not that we think others are being unethical.  It’s just that some procedures are more urgent and important than others. And sometimes, it’s ok to let certain less urgent procedures take their rightful place in line.  Good communication and strong values can keep your practice, and your patients well cared for in the long run.  

At Garrison Dental, we don’t over-prescribe for ethical reasons and customer satisfaction.  Here’s what can happen when dental offices do:  

The Erosion of Trust

When patients come in for a checkup or treatment, they are placing their health and confidence in the hands of their dental provider. Over-prescribing services—whether it's unnecessary X-rays, cosmetic procedures, or expensive dental treatments—can lead to a breakdown of this trust. If you ever suspect you are being advised to undergo unnecessary treatments, it’s difficult to regain that confidence.  Get a second opinion.  

Financial Harm

Dental care can be expensive.  That is a fact.  But it gets worse when unnecessary treatments are prescribed. Over-prescribing dental services strains patients' finances, often leading them to postpone or avoid essential care due to rising costs.  If the procedures are warranted, yet care is postponed, then that real problem only gets worse. This will be more expensive down the line and could have been avoided.  

The Health Implications of Over-Treatment

Every dental procedure carries some risk, whether it's infection, complications from anesthesia, or long-term damage to teeth and gums. Unnecessary treatments can lead to complications that would otherwise be avoided if the patient had been prescribed only what was truly necessary. Over-treating dental issues, such as drilling when it’s not needed or placing crowns on otherwise healthy teeth, can result in future problems, from tooth sensitivity to structural damage.

A Better Approach

Rather than focusing on increasing the volume of procedures, ethical dental practices should prioritize patient health through careful, thoughtful diagnoses. This includes explaining all options to the patient, being transparent about the necessity of treatments, and even offering a second opinion when appropriate.

Prescribing just the right amount of care—not too much, not too little—builds trust, respects patients’ financial situations, and prioritizes long-term health. The key lies in patient-centered care, where the dental provider's role is to educate, empower, and guide the patient toward the best possible health outcomes.

In the long run, this leads to healthier, more satisfied patients, a stronger community reputation, and a more sustainable practice built on integrity and care.  Those are the things that matter to us at Garrison Dental.  Always have and always will.