The Office of Fair Trading market study recommends how the
NHS and private dentistry should care for consumers in the future.
One of the recommendations from the report, which Denplan
strongly supports, is the introduction of a code of practice from the British
Dental Association for the selling of dental plans.
Dr.Roger Matthews of Denplan says, “We take great care to
ensure that dentists and their teams are appropriately trained and we support
policies to ensure that all providers follow this ethical approach and will
continue to do so. Patients with dental plans have indicated a high degree of
satisfaction with their private dental care.”
The OFT statistics demonstrate that an overwhelming majority
of patients (88%) with existing dental plans demonstrate a high degree of
satisfaction with their dentist and the care they receive.
The OFT report also indicates that consumers should have
access to clear information about treatment costs and specifically an estimate
of charges for proposed treatment.
Dr Matthews explains: “Because each patient, and their needs
and priorities are different, it is difficult to quote an exact price for every
procedure, but a basic and indicative price list should be provided by the
dental practice and our member dentists have always been encouraged to follow
this procedure.”
OFT research shows that while only 53% of consumers
understood NHS costs and what was available, 91% of those with dental plans
understood the costs and cover provided.
