Patients pay over 900 percent more for private dental treatments depending on which clinic they choose

84 percent of WhatClinic.com users admit to having put off dental treatment due to prohibitively high costs

27 July 2011, Dublin – Huge variations of over 900 percent in the cost of even the simplest dental treatments are revealed today in a survey of more than 500 private dental clinics’ prices carried out by the health search engine WhatClinic.com. For a front tooth the much dreaded root canal treatment can cost as little as £57 in Newcastle and as much as £600 in London, a difference of 953 percent. Similar variations were observed in treatments ranging from simple dental check-ups (from £13 to £125, both in London) to in-clinic teeth whitening (from £99 in Glasgow to £895 in London).

The availability of such a wide range of prices is a sign of healthy competition in the UK’s private dental industry, but patients appear to be unaware of the potential savings available. A parallel survey of 500 UK visitors to WhatClinic.com revealed that 84 percent had put off dental treatment because of the costs involved. In addition, half of respondents admitted that they would travel more than 30 minutes to visit a more affordable dentist if they could, with 23 percent willing to travel in excess of an hour.

“Traditionally it has been difficult and time consuming for patients to work out what options they have available near to them when it comes to private dentistry” said Philip Boyle, Marketing Manager at WhatClinic.com. “By publishing pricing information for clinics all over the UK we’re hoping to show patients that whatever their budget they can still look after their oral health.”

“Those people prepared to travel could find the savings they make are significant. For example, the cost of a dental implant in Sheffield starts at £2,000, but drops to £1,350 in Manchester. By travelling just 40 miles west, people from Sheffield can look to make a saving of as much as £650.”

Even within cities, price differences can be dramatic. Birmingham residents can pay as little as £160 or as much as £650 for in-clinic teeth whitening. Price variations between clinics can be attributed to a number of factors but cost shouldn’t be the only factor patients take into consideration when choosing a clinic, warns Boyle.

“The experience of the dentists involved, the equipment they use and their location can all be factors in why prices vary from clinic to clinic. Members of the public should check online for additional information including qualifications, treatment reviews from past patients and customer service feedback so they can make a better informed choice when deciding which clinic is right for them.”

Further findings from the WhatClinic.com research:

(Source: WhatClinic.com 2011)

About WhatClinic.com

WhatClinic.com is a healthcare search engine that helps private patients get the treatment they want at a clinic that suits their needs. With easy access to prices, patient reviews and qualifications along with addresses, phone numbers and email facilities, patients can make better informed decisions by comparing all of their treatment options. Serving more than eight million visitors annually from the UK, Ireland, and further afield WhatClinic.com helps patients find clinics in the fields of dentistry, plastic surgery, fertility, laser eye surgery, cosmetic beauty, and many more.

For more information please contact:

Philip Boyle at WhatClinic.com
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6 520 520
Email: pboyle@whatclinic.com

WhatClinic.com
12 Duke Lane Upper
Dublin 2
Ireland

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