Dentists, are we all the same?

A FACUA study on dental treatment prices, described by the General Council of Dentists as incomplete and not very rigorous.

Although we do not like to get into controversy, as dentists we feel it is necessary to echo this news, especially because of the confusion it can create in the general population when deciding on private dentistry services.

First of all, we believe that it is a mistake to consider dental specialist treatments as products. Dentistry is an integral service in which many factors should be taken into account, such as the professional’s training, experience, time dedicated to the study and diagnosis of patients… In other words, a series of services and care that are often overlooked and not taken into account. In addition, the quality of the materials and the technology used are undoubtedly elements that influence the overall result of the treatment to be highly satisfactory.

In its study, FACUA compared the prices of the four most common dental treatments: extraction, filling, teeth cleaning and endodontics. The study was carried out by telephone in 150 dental clinics in 14 Spanish cities. FACUA’s conclusion from the results is to deduce that the profit margins of the sector can be abusive, as price differences of up to 420% appear.

But, Is this kind of biased and sensationalist information good for patients? Patients should certainly be aware of their health center’s fees at all times, as well as an approximate budget. . But treatments can be very different for each patient, and that is without going into more specialized services, including for example immediate load implantology or dental esthetics, so it is very difficult to generalize. It would be similar to asking for an estimate to refurbish a kitchen: it will depend on the size of the space, the finishes, the materials… In short, you cannot compare apples and oranges. It should also be noted that on many occasions the prices indicated by clinics exclusively oriented to economic profitability are mere advertising hooks, and they base their profitability on volume strategies, sometimes achieved by indicating treatments that are not necessary and of low quality.

Iñaki Cercadillodirector of the Ahoa Dental Clinic, emphasizes above all the great difference involved in evaluating products and services, and the harm that studies such as this one cause patients, since it gives them a biased view of the dental sector and arouses erroneous expectations that can lead to a distance between patient and specialist, to the detriment of consolidating a doctor-patient relationship based on trust, so beneficial and necessary for an optimum result in any treatment.