IrishMedicalNews

Operating costs for dentists greater in the Republic – IDA

Written by Paul Mulholland Monday, 30 November 2009 16:03

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The Irish Dentists Association (IDA) has presented the findings of a new study which shows that operating costs of dentists in the Republic are over €100,000 greater than their counterparts in Northern Ireland to the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan.

This was done in a bid to maintain the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme in the December Budget.

The study also shows that the net incomes for principal dentists in the Republic are some €15,000 lower than their colleagues in the North.

IDA Chief Executive Mr Fintan Hourihan told IMN the figures support the Association’s position that the proposal in the “An Bord Snip Nua” plan to abolish the Scheme would have a detrimental effect on practices across the country.

“We felt it was important to dispel the notion that dentists were making huge profits on the back of the Scheme,” Mr Hourihan said.

“The costs of doing business here have been shown to be expensive as a result of wages, property costs and general utilities.”

Mr Hourihan maintained the abolition of the Scheme, which allows patients who make PRSI contributions to avail of some free dental treatments would drastically reduce attendances in surgeries.

It would also compromise the standard of oral health in the country, he added.