It pays to shop around

Tuesday 8th December 2009, 2:58PM GMT.

From Lars Alexandersson, vice-president, Jersey Dental Association.
I WRITE in response to the letter (JEP, 1 December) comparing the cost of dental implant treatment in Jersey.

It is difficult to make any comparison without knowing any facts. What is included in the price; implant only, or implant including the crown? Which tooth; is prior bone grafting required; does the patient need soft tissue surgery, etc?

People often telephone dental surgeries asking for the price of a filling, etc. It compares with phoning a garage to ask the price of a car (what make, model, spec, etc).

However, Jersey has a small competitive dental market. Therefore, our advice would be to shop around, not only for the cheapest prices but for someone giving a good service.

Many surgeries have a website, sometimes with a fee guide to give an idea of the price range for various treatments available. One could also telephone to request a copy of the price list.

If in doubt about the suggested treatment or cost, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion with another dentist.

1
Albert Salmon

December 8, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Mr Lars Alexandersson’s suggestion that we shop around for dental treatment is an excellent one.

I needed restorative dentistry and some minor maxillo-facial work as well. I contacted several surgeries on the Island, and I must confess that I was stunned by the estimates (not definite quotations) I received.

To pay for the highest price I would have had not only to return to work (I am retired) but also to take a second job as well.

I was recommended (by a Jersey airport taxi driver, actually) to investigate the prices of dentists overseas. The best (not just for price, I must add) dentist that I found practises in Mumbai, India. She was London-trained, expert in the most recent techniques and she had an excellent chair-side manner!

For the estimated cost received from the most expensive Jersey-based dentist I was able to fly to Mumbai, stay in an hotel, undergo treatment and also do a little sight-seeing before my return to Jersey.

Oh yes, it was definitely worthwhile shopping around for dentistry!

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2
trev

December 8, 2009 at 10:53 pm

Personally I think Jersey Dentists should be ashamed of their prices.

They are just so high

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3
Adrian

December 9, 2009 at 7:19 pm

If you want go high quality, realistically priced dental work then why not go to Hungary?

You can make a holiday out of it and save money at the same time.

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4
Magnolia Man

December 9, 2009 at 7:29 pm

Lars Alexandersson’s letter smacks of touting for custom.

Can Jersey dentists no longer afford to advertise in the usual manner? The local communications media could also do with some business.

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