As dentists push their fees higher and make more money on high-end services like cosmetic dentistry, a growing number of people cannot afford treatment for even minor work like fillings. And even though the dentists won't treat those patients who can't pay, the ADA has "fought efforts to use dental hygienists and other non-dentists to provide basic care to people who do not have access to dentists".
"Most dentists consider themselves to be in the business of dentistry rather than the practice of dentistry," said Dr. David A. Nash, a professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Kentucky. "I'm a cynic about my profession, but the data are there. It's embarrassing.