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New study finds operating costs for dentists in the Republic over 100,000 euro greater than in Northern Ireland.
Tuesday 24th November 2009. A study on the economics of dentistry which is due to be published shortly will show that operating costs for principal dentists in family practices in the Republic exceed those of their counterparts in Northern Ireland by over 102,000 euro a year. The study will also demonstrate that these higher costs mean that net incomes for principle dentists in the Republic are some 15,000 euro lower than their colleagues in Northern Ireland [see footnote for details].
The findings of this study will be presented to the Minister for Finance today by the Irish Dental Association as part of its campaign against cuts to the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme [DTBS] paid for by PRSI contributions of workers.
The study is being undertaken on behalf of the Irish Dental Association by Professor Ciaran O Neill of NUI Galway. The study in full is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
According to the Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association, Fintan Hourihan, the Association sought a meeting with the Minister for Finance in a bid to avoid any harmful budget changes being made to the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme under which workers enjoy financial support for dental treatment as part of the PRSI contributions.
Speaking today, Hourihan said that dentistry was under-supported compared to other health areas and yet enormous strides have been made through schemes such as the DTBS in improving the quality of oral health; "The standard measure of dental health - the DMFT or Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index - shows that the number of edentulous (retain none of their own teeth) has fallen markedly since 1979 and for those aged 65+ has fallen by almost half (from 72% to 41% between 1979 and 2002). That's an objective endorsement of the benefits of our current systems and supports - including the DTBS and we're appealing to the Minister not to throw it away now."
Further Information:
Eleanor Newman
Gordon MRM
Ph: 01 6650454
Ph: 087 6440678
Footnote:
Average revenues (gross income), costs and net income for principal dentists in Northern Ireland together with estimates of these for the Republic of Ireland are presented. Gross income is comprised of fees from private patients as well as those treated under DTSS and DTBS dental schemes in the Republic of Ireland. Costs include fees paid to associates, wages to staff, material and laboratory fees as well as the various costs associated with operating a business such as premises costs, repairs, insurance indemnity, interest payments etc.
Figures for Northern Ireland are derived from the Dental Earnings and Expenses Report published in August 2009 (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2009). In respect of costs similar elements are referred to - materials, laboratory, premises, employee costs as are referred to for the Republic of Ireland. The figures reported have been adjusted to allow for differences in purchasing power parity between the two jurisdictions using the Central Bank of Ireland adjustment rate for 2008.
The figures for the Republic of Ireland relate to a sample of 31 principals drawn from a range of practices across Ireland (with the exception of the three border counties - Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal).
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