Survey shows huge differences between dental fees in Ireland

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A recent survey has revealed significant differences in the cost of dental and medical treatment in parts of Ireland.

The survey, which was carried out by the National Consumer Agency, showed the some patients were facing much higher prices than others, with doctors in certain areas of the country charging double the rate of their colleagues in other regions. Dublin GPs, for example are charging around twice the price for a consultation of County Kerry GPs.

The most significant differences were shown in the price of dental treatment, with some dentists charging up to four times more than others. Some patients, for example pay 40 Euros for a tooth extraction, while others are charged 150 Euros for the same treatment. Some patients still benefit from free routine check-ups, while others face costs of up to 86 Euros in central Dublin practices.

The survey showed that Dubliners face the highest costs; with routine treatments costing at least 60 Euros each; the report also confirmed that residents of the capital city also pay for all their medical and dental care.

Another important issue raised by the survey was the absence of price lists in up to 70 percent of dental and medical practices; some regions were very open about their prices, while others, including Cork were very secretive, with only 9 percent of dentists displaying their prices in this area.

In light of the findings of the survey, the National Consumer Agency has urged increased efforts to make a more level playing field in terms of treatment costs and to increase transparency so that patients can see how much they are expected to pay for their medical and dental treatment.

The increased costs of dentistry have forced many patients to travel north of the border for treatment, as costs are up to 40 percent cheaper. Dental tourism is booming at the moment, with costs rising year on year; however, dentists have warned patients about the dangers of getting treatment abroad and around 75 percent of dentists in the Republic of Ireland have said they have performed corrective treatment on patients that have had treatment in a different country. 

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