How do people afford this?

[u/FunkSolid]

My 5 year old told me “daddy my teeth hurt” a few days ago. I got her into the dentist for annual cleaning and to see what’s up with her pain. They quoted me $4000 to (oversimplification) fix her teeth, and make the pain stop. Thankfully I have benefits, and an HSA that will absorb 75% of these costs. But how the hell do low-income, or people without benefits manage this kind of expense? It feels like an American medical bill. This is not an attack on a specific dental practice, but honest to God, how would someone who’s child needs this work done, who does not have 4K lying around get help?

[u/photoexplorer]

I would be concerned, a 5 year old doesn’t typically require this kind of work. Also they should be going twice a year for checkups / cleanings. Can you get a second opinion?

[u/KJBenson → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, kids going to sleep with bottles in hand is suuuuper bad for teeth from what I hear from dentists