These days, it seems that everyone is trying to cut costs, which sometimes has the result of leading otherwise sensible people down strange avenues.

William Escobar, 40, of Moorpark, Calif., attempted to capitalize on consumers’ weakness for a good deal by offering discounted dentistry – from his bathroom.

Allegedly, Escobar offered a number of services, including cleanings, extractions, and “illegal orthodontics” (Escobar’s specialty), all within the friendly confines of where his family typically frees themselves of their daily burdens.

Personally, I consider Escobar’s innovative change of venue to be quite clever. After all, where is personal dentistry practiced on a daily basis?
Yep, think about that for a while...

Dentistry wouldn’t be singular among the sciences by attempting to simulate the comfort level of home for their patients. Psychiatrists have offered their guests couches since the early years of the discipline to promote relaxation.

Bathrooms could become busy places if more specialties fully recognize Escobar’s ingenuity. Urologists, OB/GYNs, and (shudder) proctologists could all lay equal claim to the porcelain paradise’s soothing pleasures. 

Can’t you just see a rash (or any other type of infectious symptom) of similar practices springing up elsewhere?

Sadly, Escobar suffered the fate of many trailblazers in history; he was charged with several charges, including felony practice of dentistry without a license, after a month-long investigation by the authorities in Moorpark.

According to Sgt. Victor Fazio of the Moorpark Police Department, an ungrateful, cut-rate customer ratted on Escobar.

However, the patient’s only complaint was that the good doctor refused to remove a troublesome tooth without any type of compensation at all. Apparently, cheap wasn’t good enough; he needed it free.
Because of one selfish man, many less fortunate citizens of Moorpark will have to live with crooked and rotten teeth until the cost of dental insurance comes down.
Yeah, right.

I wonder if the snake’s 30 pieces of silver will go towards getting that tooth pulled.

Printed in the January 3, 2013 edition