New Dentist

Effects · 05-11-2018 4:24pm #1

So I've decided to change dentists and just looking for some advice.
My previous dentist seemed ok, but in recent years he's been working without a nurse/technician. His equipment also seems kind of dated. It's left me feeling I might be better going to see a different dentist.

I've had a history of bad dentists as a kid/teenager so I have a bit of a fear built up. Not of visiting the dentist, but that the dentist might not do the right job.

I've had a recommendation from a friend, for a dentist on the north side of the city. He lectures part time in Trinity and seems to be up to date in his training and techniques.

I've also looked at a relatively new dental clinic close to where I work. Set up by a couple of younger dentists.
On top of this I've looked at the price lists of two dental clinics that seem to have a chain of branches.

In an ideal world price wouldn't come in to it, but I've had a lot of expenses the past two years so it is a consideration.

The options are as follows for initial assessment:
Dentist 1, north side: €120 (despite website saying from €90 for first visit)
Dentist 2, close to work: €39
Dentist 3, chain : €30
Dentist 4, chain : €40

Am I right in thinking that while the first one is by far the most expensive, he should also be quite experienced and good? The others don't have their dentists named on their websites.

I don't want to waste time going to a dentist that just isn't that good and while the first guy is expensive, it's the same cost as going to a bad dentist twice.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

SuziXX · 06-11-2018 2:41pm

Heya,
Are you sure the 1st dentist isn’t some kind of specialist? Usually a routine dental check is covered by your prsi or med card or costs about 30 Euro or so. If you were going for a consultation with a specialist for something specific it can cost 100+

Effects · 06-11-2018 3:10pm

I said I was changing dentist. I need some cosmetic work but didn't mention that to the receptionist. He's described as below, so does that mean he's a specialist?

Dr. XXX is a family dentist who has developed an expertise in general restorative dentistry with a particular skill in conservative and healthy ways of creating, transforming and reviving smiles without the need for cutting back the teeth. Over the years he has developed a loyal following of patients who appreciate his empathetic approach, commitment to quality and passion for teaching and learning new techniques.

Having graduated from Trinity College Dublin, he obtained a fellowship in restorative dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He was later honoured with fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the International College of Dentists.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-11-2018 4:18pm

Dentist number 1 who is bio you posted is a superb dentist, and very well respected in the profession. Well worth whatever fee you pay him.

Effects · 06-11-2018 4:39pm

Ezra Glamorous Apparel wrote: »

Dentist number 1 who is bio you posted is a superb dentist, and very well respected in the profession. Well worth whatever fee you pay him.

Thanks. But as mentioned above, am I going to a specialist and paying more for that reason?
Or is it a case that I'm going to a guy who knows what he's doing, keeps up to date with equipment and modern techniques. And as a result, I'm paying more for a better dentist, who's worth it?

....... · 06-11-2018 4:42pm

Im a bit confused.

What are the charges you are quoting?

Is this just the cost of a check up?

Why would you pay 120 euro for a check up?

Effects · 06-11-2018 6:06pm

....... wrote: »

What are the charges you are quoting?
Is this just the cost of a check up?
Why would you pay 120 euro for a check up?

It's a first visit with a new dentist. I need a bit of work done, and I'd rather pay €120 to a dentist that's better than one that charges €40. The €40 dentist might end up costing me more in the long run.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-11-2018 7:34pm

Effects wrote: »

Thanks. But as mentioned above, am I going to a specialist and paying more for that reason?
Or is it a case that I'm going to a guy who knows what he's doing, keeps up to date with equipment and modern techniques. And as a result, I'm paying more for a better dentist, who's worth it?

No he is not a specialist, but he is a very good dentist. Your paying for the time, and dentists generally know what their time is worth for the standard of care they provide. There are few general dentists better. You will know a specialist because they will certainly limit their practice to one area of dentistry only, and usually will have completed a full time masters or better in that area.

If you go to a chain clinic your checkup will be 40 euro...but the X-rays will be extra, and the cleaning will be extra etc etc. I would say the 120 includes all the necessary items to ensure a through and comprehensive assessment is done, and done by a dentist interested in doing only comprehensive assessments ( as the patient does not get to choose what is included and what is left out for monetary reasons). The fee level is designed to discourage patients that are not interested in the same standard. Some people are not after that and only want the cheapest they can get. Lucky its a free market and all levels are catered for, and the patient can choose what they want.