Why can patients afford a $40,000 car, but not a life-changing new smile?
Kabbo Mondal

Better smiles

It's frustrating for dentists to watch patients who "can't afford" dental treatment to spend a lot on a new car or other luxury. Why does this happen? Ron Rice offers some theories that begin with dentists being perceived as too expensive.

Being from Dearborn, Michigan, I have a lifelong interest in the automobile industry. Both of my parents and most of my family build cars for a living.

Comparing modern dentistry and the car business reminds me of a decision Detroit made many years ago that now faces health care, and especially dentistry. Most of the cars built in the early 1900s were large and expensive. Only a small percentage of Americans could even dream of driving a Packard, Duesenberg, or Cadillac.

It took two breakthroughs to launch the auto industry from a small cottage industry for the rich to having three of the largest companies in the world that served 95% of America by 1960. What were the breakthroughs? Henry Ford’s Model T1 and auto financing.


Resource

Tooth Pain When Biting Down | Causes and When to Worry
By Rabia Tingat • October 27, 2026
Does your tooth hurt when you bite? Learn the common causes, which signs are urgent, and what to do before you see a dentist.
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By Rabia Tingat • October 23, 2026
Denture cracked, broken, or lost? Learn what to do right away, what not to try at home, and when to see a dentist or go to the ER.
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Is bleeding after dental work normal? Learn how long it lasts, how to stop it with gauze, and when to call a dentist or go to the ER.
Dental Injury From a Car Accident: First Steps to Take
By Rabia Tingat • October 19, 2026
Hurt your teeth or jaw in a car accident? Learn what to do first, which signs show up later, and how to keep records for insurance.
Sports Dental Injuries: Prevention and What to Do Immediately
By Rabia Tingat • October 16, 2026
Chipped or knocked out a tooth playing sports? Learn what to do right away, when to go to the ER, and how to prevent injuries.
How to Build a Dental Emergency Kit for Home
By Rabia Tingat • October 14, 2026
Build a dental emergency kit for home in one afternoon. See the full checklist, what each item does, and when to call a dentist.
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By Rabia Tingat • October 12, 2026
Grinding your teeth at night can crack or break them. Learn the warning signs, when it's an emergency, and how to stop it.
Canker Sore or Something Serious? How to Tell
By Rabia Tingat • October 9, 2026
Not sure if a mouth sore is a canker sore or something worse? Learn the signs, healing time, and when to see a dentist.
Swollen Gums | Emergency or Not?
By Rabia Tingat • October 5, 2026
Swollen gums can be mild or serious. Learn the emergency signs, common causes, home remedies, and when to see a dentist.
Swelling After a Tooth Extraction: When to Worry
By Rabia Tingat • September 30, 2026
Some swelling after a tooth extraction is completely normal. Learn what to expect day by day, which warning signs mean trouble and exactly when to call your dentist or head to the emergency room.