Madam, – In today’s difficult economic climate, it is completely unfair and unsettling to patients to imply they will be “ripped off” at every turn in this country. It is hard enough for them to afford their many bills in these difficult times but to further discourage and frighten them by the use of suspect examples is grossly irresponsible (“Smiling through the pain”, Pricewatch, February 28th).
Caroline Madden’s article is in the main fairly balanced but to state that “a dental check-up can, in some cases, cost more than €80” is portraying the extreme as the average. The usual cost of a dental check-up from most general dentists is closer to half that figure. Her point about the value of the free PRSI and Medical Card check-ups, however, is well made. Check-ups are vital to preserve teeth and gums and to check for any early pathology such as oral cancer.
The anecdote about the one “savvy customer” is very misleading. Judging by the fees quoted, it appears that these were specialist fees. Whether one or two root canal treatments were appropriate was a clinical decision and one that neither Ms Madden nor I can now make from the comfort of our armchairs. The decision had nothing to do with the fact that the treatment was eventually done in Northern Ireland. If this “savvy customer” went to a general dentist in Dundalk for example and had only one root canal treatment carried out, what would the cost have been? Surely a better and more logical comparison of figures?
Patsy McGarry recounts his personal experience at a dental clinic in Budapest but some of the examples he gives are superficial in the extreme. Has he asked the question why the Hungarian clinic in Ranelagh didn’t do the treatment in Ranelagh? If Ireland is all rip- off, here was the chance for this clinic to apply its Hungarian prices in the Irish market with Irish market costs, and show us all how it can be done. They don’t seem to have risen to the challenge.
The cost of Mr McGarry’s treatment in Hungary was €4,172. Taking the treatment items he listed, the cost here would not have been a great deal more and he could have saved himself having to travel. In addition, should there be any difficulties, either now or in the future, these could be addressed here instead of having to travel overseas again. Mr McGarry speaks about “teeth sorted for the rest of my days”. Sorry, but that is not the way biology works. Ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and good home care are vital to ensure longevity.
I wonder who the unfortunate person was who paid €15,000 in Dublin to have three teeth treated. She certainly seems to have been the unluckiest person alive. I’ve tried to figure out how, with the maximum possible amount of treatment delivered to three teeth, a figure of even 30 per cent of what Mr McGarry stated in his article could be achieved, and I can’t do it. – Yours, etc,