The economy is still poor, but dentists are helping patients through tough times. 

As our economy continues downward, the effects have impacted dental practices. According to an ADA survey, 6 out of 10 dentists that responded said their net income in the third quarter was lower than in the second quarter. About three in 10 said it remained the same. Even with the decrease in income, dentists are dealing with patients who are also trying to deal with a lousy economy and have their own financial worries. Many dentists are trying to help their patients with the cost of dental care by offering discounted services and payment plan options through their practice or a third-party financing company and providing extended treatment durations to help patients pay for care.