IDA welcomes Fee Display

IDA welcomes Fee Display

(11 Apr 2011)

The Irish Dental Association has welcomed the new Code of Practice from the Dental Council relating to the display of professional fees.

According to the new Code, dentists in general practice will have to display a single fee for a minimum range of specified treatments such as an examination or an x-ray as well as range of fees for more complex treatments, such as restorations, surgical extractions, crowns etc.

The IDA said that now a Code of Practice has been published by the Dental Council all its members would be happy to display their fees in the agreed, uniform format.

The Chief Executive of the IDA, Fintan Hourihan said a recent survey by the Consumer Association showed real price competition existed across the country and this would become more apparent with fees on public display.

"We would advise patients to build a relationship with their local dentist and to focus on the quality of work done and the value which it delivers rather than on superficial price comparisons" Hourihan said.

According to the IDA, all available evidence suggests that patients choose their dentist for a variety of reasons such as having trust in their dentist, having confidence in the standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the practice and convenient location.

The Dental Council has also published guidance for members of the public on the criteria they should use in choosing a dentist. "We would strongly encourage patients to acquaint themselves with this advice in deciding on which dentist they entrust with their treatment and care" Hourihan concluded.

To view the various documents, visit the Dental Council's website.