Madam, – I am pleased to reassure Ronan Cahill (February 24th) that not only does the Irish Dental Association support the publication of private fees by dentists, it is required of dentists by their regulatory authority that they prominently display such fees.
Moreover, the Dental Council’s code of conduct recognises that “a detailed estimate of the cost of treatment can only be given following a full oral examination but it should be possible to give an indication of the fees charged by the practice for routine procedures”.
Finally, I would reiterate our advice that patients should not be guided solely by prices in selecting their dentist. The quality of care provided within an appropriate treatment plan and the ready availability of after-care treatment deserve the greatest attention. In the first instance we advise patients to discuss their needs with their local dentist. – Yours, etc,