The question of whether dentists overtreat is a complex one. There is no doubt that some dentists do perform unnecessary procedures, but it is difficult to determine the extent of this problem. Some studies have suggested that as many as one in four dental procedures may be unnecessary, while other studies have found much lower rates of overtreatment.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to overtreatment, including the fee-for-service payment model, which incentivizes dentists to perform more procedures. Additionally, some dentists may be influenced by the desire to provide the best possible care for their patients, even if that means recommending unnecessary treatment. Finally, patients themselves may sometimes request unnecessary treatment, such as cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary.