How Much Do Dog Dental Cleanings Really Cost?

Photo by PoPville flickr user laurabl

“Dear PoPville,

I just adopted a beautiful, five-year-old german shepherd from a rescue this weekend, and she is already has me wrapped around her paw. We don’t know too much about her past, but she was malnourished and came to her foster mom with horrible (and I mean horrible) teeth. We want to get them cleaned, but the all of the baseline quotes have been between $450 and $700, not including extractions (which can be up to $70 a tooth!).

I realize that vet care in DC is very expensive, but I was wondering if any readers had recommendations for affordable dental care. Though I am prepared to pay the higher price, I want to make sure that my dog gets quality care, not a rip-off.

Thanks!”