• wjnc 4 hours ago

    First law of dentistry: Any innovation that does not increase dentist margin, will not reach market.

    To expand on this argument. I think even medical health care is more open to innovation that mainly benefits consumer health. Doctors are kind of oblivious of the cost of procedures. This has a host of other problems, but at least innovation and health outcomes are aligned (and less aligned with cost). Dentists are massively private equity owned where I live. Bottom line is everything. You notice that where you’re in the chair. Six minute procedures (the billing time) always take seven. Kids are state insured and always get upsold to whatever procedure is fashionable (or should I say: has the highest margin). I have a strong feeling innovations are swallowed up and shelved in this sector. It makes sense for the PE to kill innovation once you have a market cornered.

    The only thing this anti market rant (not my usual spiel) does not have is an explanation for how PE coordinates the suppression of innovation. I should look into the owners of the parties that deliver the dentist supplies and machinery. That would be the best way to corner a market, by owning the supply chain as well.

    • lofaszvanitt an hour ago

      I think most of the people do not even know how much calcium or other supplements they need on a daily or weekly basis to keep their teeth healthy.

      • amelius an hour ago

        Can you point to the research?

      • ErrorNoBrain 2 hours ago

        this is just a product that is easier to use?

        i dont see why it couldnt reach the market

        • throwaway290 3 hours ago

          Fluoride based toothpaste does not increase dentist margin though right?

          > toothpaste is usually self-administered haha

          very funny. this is a toothbrush, unless you have someone brush your teeth it is always self administered

          • yanko 40 minutes ago

            Fluoride as ingredient is questionable for human heath despite of what the marketing spread

            • OKRainbowKid 33 minutes ago

              Do you have any reputable evidence that fluorinated toothpaste is harmful (assuming normal usage)?

            • wjnc an hour ago

              First introduced in 1914! Suppressing a current practice is way harder than suppressing an innovation via buy-and-die.

              • throwaway290 3 minutes ago

                True.

              • throawayonthe 2 hours ago

                toothpaste is usually self-administered haha

                • amelius an hour ago

                  This could be an innovation: toothbrush with built-in toothpaste dispenser.

            • aaron695 3 hours ago

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