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Do you go to the dentist on a regular basis?

Asked at Massachusetts Street on April 6, 2006

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Photo of Simon Montoya

“No. I don’t go enough. I try to at least go once a year.”

— Simon Montoya, sales and marketing, Lawrence

Photo of Christie Swarm

“Yeah. Once every four or five months. Not having clean teeth is extremely unattractive and bad for your health.”

— Christie Swarm, computer programmer, Lawrence

Photo of Amy Williams

“Yes. Every six months, because I want my teeth to be clean.”

— Amy Williams, Kansas University senior, Lawrence

Photo of Randy Mushrush

“No, I don’t. Last time I went to the dentist was probably seven or eight years ago. But I brush twice a day, and I haven’t noticed any cavities.”

— Randy Mushrush, bartender, Lawrence

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  1. blue73harley (anonymous) says…

    Yes.

    How about the dentist that is offering "sedation dentistry"? The ads make it seem like having your teeth drilled is fun...if you take a few pills first.

    I used to have a dentist, who unfortunately does not take my current insurance, that was a gas. He did not spare the nitrous. That was a pleasant experience. Lots of laughs in fact.

  2. jonas (anonymous) says…

    Hell yeah! Look at all these! You think these are easy to clean?

    http://www.veronica-vega.com/horsetee...

  3. inmate (anonymous) says…

    I do some of the work myself.

  4. l_eustacy (anonymous) says…

    The best floss in the work is Glide.

    It's made of Goretex and is virtually unbreakable.

  5. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    Weird, I am going to the dentist this afternoon actually. Get out of my head ljworld...ahh.

  6. The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

    Sure do. Fortunately I have Delta Dental, sponsor of Jayhawk Basketball. I'm not sure how people without insurance afford the dentist.

  7. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    Delta Dental - sponsor of the two and a half minute pregame show. I always find it funny when the pregame comes on because it is something like this:

    "Welcome to the Delta Dental Pregame Show!"
    "Here is your starting lineups for tonight"
    *Reads opponents starting lineup*
    *Reads KU's starting lineup*
    "Thank you for watching the Delta Dental Pregame Show!"

    It's great.

  8. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    Multi - I haven't been there, but it sounds like a good analogy.

  9. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    It should just become a standard that if anyone wants to do something, they have to add "for a klondike bar" after it.

    Kind of like adding "in bed" at the end of a fortune from a fortune cookie.

  10. trinity (anonymous) says…

    tob, i've got the proud sponsor of the Jayhawk Basketball team for my dental insurance, too! they're mostly great&affordable-but i've been socked with some reealllly high co-pays on certain procedures.

    to quote pee-wee herman (peewee's big adventure);
    brush brush brush, hehe-hehehe. (my best typed peewee impression!) :)

  11. This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

  12. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    They did?

  13. sgtwolverine (anonymous) says…

    Medical professionals and I do not get along. Perhaps my attitude soured from too many doctor visits when I was young.

    But eating too many Klondike bars would mean a dentist visit for sure!

    (Oh, Ron, yeah, I caught parts of the game yesterday. Two games into the season, the Tigers are doing everything to prove my cynicism wrong. I am cynical about them because of their recent history, but I also really do want to see them win. If Pudge can hit consistently and cameraman-hater Kenny Rogers lasts...well, who knows.)

  14. kansas_prairieland (anonymous) says…

    Several years ago I read an article in Reader's Digest about how a reporter did an undercover investigation concerning dentistry. Over the course of 6 months he visited roughly 30 different dentists in several different states. All he told each dentist was that he wanted a cleaning and a check up....no work done on his teeth. And with each visit used a different name. Anyway, there were very few of the 30 dentists that agree with what was wrong with his teeth. Some dentists told him that his teeth were fine, some said he had a cavity or two, some said he had a cavity or two----but the so-called cavities were located in different teeth than a previous dentist had said there were!!

    Bottom line....(and this was the reporter's main point)....there seems to be quite a few dentists in this world who may honestly think that they know what they are doing.......but probably don't!!! And that's a scary thought!!! Oh, sure, some of the dentists that this reporter went to were probably liars/scam-artists.....but the reporter said that most probably just didn't know what they were doing. And since most people don't have the time and/or the money to shop around for a dentist (should they move to a new area/town).....most people simply take their chances with whatever dentist they end up going to. When you go to a particular dentist for the first time.....you assume that he or she is accurate when he or she tells you that you have two cavities that need to be filled......but all you have is that dentist's word....you end up trusting him or her (and crossing your fingers while you're at it!!)......Unless, of course, you go to a second or third dentist in your area and try to get a "consensus" as to what the condition of your teeth is really like!!

    But like the reporter said, sometimes you can go to multiple dentists.....and still not be able to build a consensus as to what the deal is with your teeth!!! And like I said earlier......most people just don't have the time or the money to go to several dentists over such a short period of time!!!

  15. kansas_prairieland (anonymous) says…

    ..................just something to think about, folks!!!

  16. Lib_ee12 (anonymous) says…

    Don - I actually saw Mr. Boog the last time I went to the dentist. He was getting his teeth cleaned in the chair next to mine. I was feeling very proud because my dental hygenist was raving about how great my teeth looked, while I could hear Boog's hygenist lecture him about regular brushings and floss. I couldn't help but giggle a little.

    By the way, I'm a very good six month patient!

  17. sgtwolverine (anonymous) says…

    I don't know if you have the same option there, but the University of Michigan dental school sees patients for very low prices. It's good for both sides of the deal: patients get inexpensive dental services, and students get real experience.

  18. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    Every six months. I love getting them cleaned.

    I think we should leave Boog alone, don't you?

    And I have the Delta too, for a Klondike bar.

  19. char (anonymous) says…

    I haven't been to a dentist since moving to Lawrence. I need to though, since my wisdom teeth are coming in, and I was told years ago by the dentist who took care of my teeth from childhood that there isn't enough room. I can already see one tooth looking a little out of place.

    But I don't have dental insurance. So, could I get some recommendations from y'all? Which dentist in Lawrence do you recommend?

  20. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    Douglas County Dental Clinic can help you if you are uninsured.

  21. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    Douglas County Dental Clinic can help you if you are uninsured, for a Klondike bar.

    (thanks MD!)

  22. The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

    UMKC's dental clinic if you live in KC. I believe they charge a small fee.

    ----------

    I've just been informed that we are all going to die today. Get your water, duct tape, handguns, Klondike bars, and clean underwear ready.

    Seriously, one of the radio stations out of KC (980?) said that if you live in an apartment you need to find better shelter for this afternoon. And then they followed that gem up with, "not to scare you or anything."

  23. kansas_prairieland (anonymous) says…

    TOB,

    Yes! It's true! The forecast for this afternoon is calling for some potentially nasty weather!

    Oooooooooh!!!!!!!!!!

  24. sgtwolverine (anonymous) says…

    It seems you guys down there die at least once a week.

  25. juscin3 (anonymous) says…

    Multi, that is too funny! Ya know, I would be thinking just that let alone actually saying it. But hey, if you or your ins. are payin for something to get done, then it needs to be done the way you want it. Not the way the dentist wants it. I have gotten to the point where we are going to a different dentist. I don't understand how ins. will only cover so much when you are supposed to be granted 2 cleanings per year. Everytime I go in every six months just for a cleaning, it doesn't get paid 100%. Why??? I can't stand the receptionist that my dentist has and therefore I have decided to go somewhere else. I am not going to go in there and see someone with an attitude just because I need to make an appointment for myself as well as for my kids all at the same time. That's what she's there for! She gives me a sigh and gets frustrated because she has to schedule 3 peeps. It's not like she's goin anywhere!!! If I was to go in there again, maybe I need to ask her to schedule the appointments and offer her a Klondike bar!!! Maybe that's why she has the attitude..lol

  26. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    We're going to die again? Darn - that's three. Six more and we're in big trouble. If I'm still in KC this afternoon, am I going to die?

    Did you all run out and buy your crank radios for a Klondike bar in bed?

  27. juscin3 (anonymous) says…

    hahaha funny Gootsie, but good idea! brb
    *makes list*
    go to store pick up klondikes and batteries
    go to radio shack get radio
    pick up tomorrows newspaper to see if someone died from storm and set it beside the bed

  28. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    After my beloved Dentist since childhood passed away, I quit going for quite a long time...years, in fact. I finally caved and tried a new dentist. Well, I should say dental hygenist as the actual dentist didn't clean my teeth. But, anyway, after measuring, x-raying, etc...she told me that I did such a great job taking care of my teeth that I didn't need to go but once every other year or so. My kiddies, however, go every 6 like they're supposed to...for a Klondike Bar!

  29. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    omb - tell those creepy people at the bottom of your link to shut up.

  30. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    ...for a klondike bar.

  31. RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

    In my mind the word "dentist" brings two visions: Orin Scrivello, DDS , and Dr. Christian 'The White Angel' Szell. 10 years, 8 months, and 3 or 4 odd days ago on August 1st, 1995 at 10:30 am, was the last date that I reclined in a dentist chair, and was subjected to the "caine" smell. Before the "Cleaning" (ie. torture) was finished, one of the chair arms was ripped from its mounting, and the hygenist was curled up, sobbing and mumbling in a partition corner. Though no formal restraining order was issued, I do believe that I was banned from any communication and or contact with that dental office. I do however brush 4-5 times daily, floss 2-3 times daily. But i will not ever again subject myself to the sadistic sounds and smells that reside in a dental office.

    Orin Scrivello, DDS: [singing] "I thrill when I drill a bicuspid / It's swell though they tell me I'm mal-ad-just-ed"., "I find a little giggle-gas before I begin gives me immense pleasure. "

    Dr. Christian 'The White Angel' Szell: "Does that hurt? I should think it would. You should take better care of your teeth.", "Is it safe?"

    Oil of cloves anyone?

  32. The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

    Bob = Who's the sweet thing with her Sugar Daddy?

    Sarge - Yes, the potential for death is never far off here in the great Midwest.

  33. The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

    There are 2 people floating above the web page selling something.

  34. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    The first time I watched it they were there.

    The second time, they were gone.

    The creature apparently got them.

    For a Klondike bar.

  35. bankboy119 (anonymous) says…

    I just got back from the dentist actually. I go every 6 months.

  36. audvisartist (anonymous) says…

    Here are some resources for those of you that are without dental insurance and looking for a reduced rate:

    http://www.dcdclinic.org/resources.html

    The Douglas County Dental Clinic is the only clinic here in Lawrence that offers services at a reduced fee. We're a non-profit clinic and we don't get any federal or state grants so we rely on private grants, donations, and patient payments to offer the reduced fees. To be seen at the clinic you need to be a Douglas County resident, have no dental insurance, and meet income guidelines. You can call us up at 785-312-7770 for more information on the clinic and our guidelines.

    The resource list that I mentioned above includes other clinics in Topeka and Kansas City that also serve patients. The Marian Clinic in Topeka is a great place to go for reduced dental fees and there's also a free clinic in Kansas City that does dental work free of charge.

    And for those of you that are curious, yes we do accept Klondike bars. But not in lieu of payment. ;)

  37. fleeba (anonymous) says…

    Dentists don't like me, i don't need to go to them.
    Dentures, several years ago due to a herditary degrade of bones and teeth. The didn't want to pull all my teeth, just wanted to keep crowning and capping them, but of course, then they wouldn't keep getting money if they just pulled them :)

  38. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    Oh MD, I loved your story. Rough edges doth not fun make! very cute!

    i think you should turn that in to Readers Digest, for a Klondike bar.

  39. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    Has anyone but me noticed that Thursday seems to be the preferred day to die in KS?...for a Klondike Bar?

  40. badger (anonymous) says…

    You know, you all can come down to the People's Republic of Austin and avoid the Midwest Death. We're pretty safe here, unless you have a phobia of live music. Then, then we're pretty seriously doomy.

    However, if you do all truck down to Hippietown, I'd advise you to avoid badgers. Certain of the badgers in Austin are home sick with a 100 degree fever today. Last night, it was 102 and there were mild hallucinations, but today it's all just ginger ale and birdsong. I really hope those birds are actually there.

    For a Klondike Bar.

  41. Easy_Does_It (anonymous) says…

    I firmly believe that when the Dentists all meet in Las Vegas each year for their annual convention to learn new skills, the busiest room is the "Practice Enhancement" room. This is where some really cleaver practitioner comes up with a new non-necessary procedure to create a new revenue stream. From now on when I go to the Dentist I will start poor mouthing my financial situation so they don't get the idea that there is gold to be dug in my mouth. Although necessary this profession is close to becoming as ethical as chiropractors.

    Our kid's Dentist recently sent us a note that if we did not set up our 3 month cleaning appointment they would drop us as a client. I think I'll approach my clients the same way, "if you don't give me some billable hours for some unnecessary work I'll quit calling on you." I'll see how that business model works.

    Invest in good floss and a brush, and save yourself some real cash.

  42. RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

    Whats wrong with Katie Horner? she stirs my loins

  43. sgtwolverine (anonymous) says…

    You know, I don't even live in the Dictatorship of Severe Weather (Sponsored by Katie Horner) and I would enjoy going to Austin for a while. I did get to visit once (my brother was in northern TX for a while, and we drove down to Austin for a couple days), but it was a short visit.

    The bats are pretty cool.

  44. nomorebobsplease (anonymous) says…

    When my boys were small, one of them had some bad cavities and needed dental work. I took him originally to a sadisic butcher of a pediatric dentist that works in Lawrence where they wanted to strap him down and force his mouth open and do the work. Or use a surgury room in LMH to knock him out completely to do it. Needless to say I left. After searching, I found a wonderful pediatric office in Topeka that will do consious sedation-and my kids went there for several years. Wonderful people! They are not afraid of the dentist now (and would have been if that jerk had worked on them), and have transitioned to a regular dentist just fine.

  45. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    Reticent, You know what's wrong with Katie. Sure, she may look good, but the girl is a needy control freak! So, go ahead and look all you want. My advice is not to touch. (I believe she is quite fertile.)

  46. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    for a Klondike Bar

  47. RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

    S.S., nothing wrong with a strong willed woman, I was forced, lured, and trapped by one.

    Hmmm.. Katie in leather... eating a Klondike bar.....

  48. Harry_Manback (anonymous) says…

    Ewww...Randy hasn't been to the dentist in 7 or 8 years?!?! I feel guilty cause I haven't been in about 8 months!

    But I really don't think eating candy for one school year would cause 9 cavities, unless you stopped brushing. I drink a lot of pop (I know, it's bad...) and I haven't had a cavity in years because I brush 2-3 times a day.

  49. Harry_Manback (anonymous) says…

    Giant Panda's comment...wtf??

  50. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    Reticent, Yes, I agree there is nothing wrong with a strong willed woman. Did you miss the word "needy?" If you were forced, lured, and trapped by a strong willed (and undoubtedly beautiful) woman, this indicates that she was simply tired of waiting for you to ask. Was she worth the $40 socks?;) I'm thinking she was...for a Klondike Bar!

  51. RonBurgandy (anonymous) says…

    Multi - if you are worried about the unhealthyness of klondike bars try these:
    http://www.icecreamusa.com/products/p...

  52. SpeedRacer (anonymous) says…

    OMB - I've never seen a video like that, it's pretty cool technology.

  53. Ceallach (anonymous) says…

    MD: He tried the same thing with my granddaughter! Maybe we should picket his place -- my daughter did not take her back for the follow-up appointment. When a 5 year old has bruises on her cheeks from visiting the dentist, something is wrong! I can't believe so many mothers will allow that office to keep them out of the room while their child is being checked/treated. My g-daughter was so upset when she went to another dentist he suggested that my daughter hold her while he checked her and that worked really well. After having one visit with him she was no longer afraid of dental visits (to him), and he wasn't even labeled "pediatric" dentist!

    I would join picketing protests outside the other guy's office . . . for a Klondike bar!!

  54. RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

    I have never rued the day I responded "FINE", nor can I fathom ever.

    Yes, she is undoubtedly beautiful, talented and copiously endowed with many postitive and steadfast traits.

    She would have been worth any amount of crumpled, rumpled cash in my front pocket. ( I may not know where my wallet is, but I always know where my jeans are.

    BUT... I still have a hang-up with the knife incident.

  55. Ceallach (anonymous) says…

    badger, feel better soon -- just be sure it isn't the avian flu -- it would be so bad to be the one who started the pandemic the prophets of doom are so sure will eventually hit the US of A :)

  56. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    I know that office/dentist. He gassed my then 4 yr old w/out my permission. We never went back. It was hard to get her to go to another dentist. I should have complained but I had no physical proof that he gassed her. I'll join that protest. (I'll even bring my own Klondike bar and enough for the first 5 other people who ask...how many are in a box?)

  57. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    Reticent, Now that I have you figured out, you can tell me later about the "knife incident."???

    Gnome, get well but fear not! My chickens are all alive and healthy. No bird flu...yet.

  58. RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

    S.S. did you not watch the video? (Now thats a control issue)

    "sedation dentistry"- gives new meaning to the phrase " You have the nicest teeth I've came across"

  59. sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…

    RI, It's all in the interpretation. As for the sedation dentistry all I can say is "eewwwww!"

    Badger, I called you gnome earlier. My bad! (Both small, furry critters, though.)

  60. Nachtwolf (anonymous) says…

    The girl, Christie, that they interviewed goes to Free State. Wierd that they didn't put Student.

  61. Gootsie (anonymous) says…

    I go to McBride. He rocks!

  62. The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

    Gootsie -

    McBride used to be my landlord when I lived on Kentucky. Nice dude. Even gave some of our deposit back.

  63. beatrice (anonymous) says…

    I wonder if Judas had a dentist? Did anyone see in the NYTimes that the "Gospels of Judas" has been found? Fascinating stuff, whether a believer or not. Yesterday scientists discovered the missing link, and today it is Judas. Crazy.
    Check it out (I hope the link works. If not, cut and paste it):
    http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/06/sci...

  64. jewls (anonymous) says…

    The Douglas County Dental Clinic has a pediatric dentist that works on Fridays and some Saturdays too.

  65. Ceallach (anonymous) says…

    Sorry, badger (and MD). I just thought a little jest might lighten your misery :( Considering the fact that the experts are going to be so disappointed if hundreds of thousands of people are not afflicted so they can crow :) about their prediction.

    This isn't the first time I was the only one who thought I was funny :-\

    Now I gotta go home and read last night's board and check up on the gnome.

  66. beatrice (anonymous) says…

    md: that is hysterical, and wonderfully bizarre! Even if true, any idea on how difficult it would be to walk on a block of floating ice in a turbulent sea? Well, neither do I, but I'll bet it would be pretty difficult. Though I would give it a try for a Klondike bar.

  67. trollkiller (anonymous) says…

    I've got your Klondike Bar...right here!

  68. ms_canada (anonymous) says…

    md - welcome to Alberta. I have yet to see brokeback and I am looking forward to it. I am wondering if I will recognize any of the scenery. A lot of films are being made in southern Alberta, but I don't know of any made as far north as Edmonton, though.
    I just returned from San Diego via Denver last nite and WOW what a change of scenery. It is sooo very dull and gloomy here after beautiful southern Calif
    One day we took a rest from packing and drove down to Coronada, WOW, that is a beautiful place.
    But, for all it's beauty I would not live with all that traffic and noise. Give me quiet Edmonton any day.
    Good to be home. Now to get back to peeling the old wallpaper off my bathroom walls and preparing to paint them a nice spruce green. Joy, joy :o)

  69. KSChick1 (anonymous) says…

    I HATE the dentist! Even if he was a Klonkike bar I still would not like him.
    Torture chambers give me a warm fuzzy feeling compared to the chair at the dentist's office.
    Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Oh wait. That's for the Free For All in the University Daily Kansan.
    A Klondike bar in bed.
    There.

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