Our dental fees are somewhat lower than the nationwide average and we are aware of this fact. Last year  (07) we did 387 dentals on dogs and 113 on cats. This is a poor reflection on the care our clients give to their pets (and a poor reflection on our educating our clients), considering that about 75% of the pets we see each year need their teeth cleaned. We have about 3100 pets we care for, so do the math. I think that cost is the major reason people don't get their pet's teeth cleaned when needed, plus some people are concerned about the anesthesia. We keep our costs quite reasonable in order to help more pets.  We are of the old school philosphy: charge less, work harder, do more, which we believe will bring in more income for salaries and new equipment, etc. As far as anesthesia goes, most of the pets who need dentals are older. The anesthetics we use today are far superior to what we even had a few years ago and are extremely safe. We respect anesthesia, but have no qualms about anesthetizing a 17 year old pet for a dental.  We will be glad to examine your pet's teeth at n/c and give you a quote!  (Our average dog dental fee for a routine cleaning with no extraction, or other oral surgery,  ranges between 185 to 200 dollars and cats average around 105 dollars.  (From The American Animal Hospital Association publication, "Trends" we find in the February 2008 issue the following information: The average dental fee of 1,000 clinics nationwide, for a routine cleaning with NO extractions, etc, was 381.00 dollars - we think are fees are quite fair).