Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 4/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: In several of your answers you mention the value of a second opinion.  My
question: How willing  are dentists to give a second opinion? Should the first
dentist be told I want a second opinion? And finally, what range of charges
should I expect for the second opinion? I would think it would be wise not to
give the name of the first dentist! I think (but don't know) the first dentist is
competent, but has given me an estimate of $15,000-30,000 for the work he
proposes to do. I suffer from Sticker shock!!!!
ANSWER: Dear Lawrence,

Although I have never inquired of my colleagues about how they feel about rendering second opinions, there is no reason why there should be any reluctance to do so. It is a dental service, just like any other dental service.

As to whether the first dentist should be told that the patient is seeking a second opinion, that is entirely up to the discretion of the patient. However, I agree that it is best that the dentist rendering the second opinion should not be informed of the identity of the primary dentist if possible, to avoid any bias in the event the dentists know each other.

A second opinion would normally be charged at the same rate as a normal diagnostic session, less any fees saved by bringing diagnostic materials (e.g., x-rays, study models) provided by the patient. Fees vary significantly from place to place, so providing a range of fees is not particularly meaningful. It may easily range from $20 US to over $100, depending on the diagnostic information required, the general fee structure of the locale, and the local currency/exchange rate.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: A comment rather than a question: Given the dollar amount of the proprosed
work by the primary DDS, it would seem to be wise to do some comparison
shopping! I wish there was a way to compare the quality of the proposed work. I
guess this is true of all the professions. I have checked the state license board,
the BBB, and have noted the membership in several dental associations and the
university where he graduated. Is there anything else I might check?

Answer
Dear Lawrence,

Checking the public record can confirm licensure, but not much else except disclose the most egregious of transgressions. Short of confirming that a dentist meets the minimum licensing requirements, you won't find much additional useful information on the web, or in any of the published "Who's Who" lists, which are pay-for-inclusion worthless rags.

Your best bet is to select a doctor based on word-of-mouth recommendation of an acquaintance, friend, relative, neighbor, or anyone who has used the services of the doctor and whose opinion you trust. There is no other opinion that is as meaningful to a prospective patient as the experience of one of the doctor's other patients, because it is the perspective that is most relevant.

Mark Bornfeld DDS