Dentists nationwide will be obliged to display their fees from today in a place where patients can see them before a consultation.
The move is expected to result in greater competition between dentists. Under a new code of practice issued by the Dental Council, the regulatory body for the profession, price lists must contain at least 16 items, including six fixed-price treatments such as the fee for an examination, diagnosis and treatment plan and the fee for a visit with a dental hygienist.
Patients will also be able to check fees in advance for X-rays, extractions, root canal treatment and crowns.
Dr Eamon Croke, president of the Dental Council, said “100 per cent compliance” was expected from members.
