I went to a new dentist last week.  I thought I was going to get my teeth cleaned but once I sat down in the chair, I realized I had actually entered a private infomercial for drug companies.  The hygienist immediately started talking about new (and expensive) procedures "someone like me" could benefit from. 

I kept saying, "I really just came in for a basic cleaning today" She kept talking about these other procedures.  It finally occurred to me that when she said "someone like me" she meant someone with good insurance. 

As I got increasingly annoyed at her attempts to upsell me on things insurance would pay for, I noticed the office was spotted with advertisements for pharmaceutical companies - all cleverly disguised as tooth charts, dental care posters, etc. 

Enter the Dentist:  After X-Rays and some poking and prodding, the dentist came in.  The x-rays were on a computer screen in front of me.  The dentist pushed them aside.  The second thing out of his mouth was about the procedures the hygienist had been trying to sell me on.  I repeated my chorus of "Just need the basic cleaning today."  He then said something I never thought any dentist would ever say:

"Dave, the regular cleaning doesn't really do much."

Okay, now I am pissed off.  Now I know I am never coming back to this dentist again.  Now I know this guy is a total sell-out to the companies helping him buy his second home in Florida and his trip to Europe.  I couldn't get out fast enough. 

As I left I saw three more patients in the waiting room.  Did they have the courage to say no or would they just roll over and accept what this sell-out dentist told them?