DutchNews.nl - Some 15% of dentists have put up their prices 'too much'

Some 15% of dentists have put up their prices so much since they were allowed to set their own fees that charges for some treatment has doubled, Nos television reports on Thursday.

The broadcaster says a majority of MPs would now like to see a blacklist set up for dentists who have put their charges up too much.

Dentists, orthodontists and mouth hygienists have been free to decide their own fees since the beginning of the year. Health minister Edith Schippers hopes the three-year experiment will bring prices down, increase competition and boost quality.

Nos compared the prices of 250 dentists and found some charged 2.5 times as much as others for the same treatment.

Meanwhile, the AD reports that dentists and orthodontists are at odds with insurance companies about the new fees. The dentists say patients are having to pay more for their treatment because insurance companies have reduced the level of dental insurance cover.

"......because insurance companies have reduced the level of dental insurance cover"

No doubt there are some greedy dentists out there but I must agree with this statement.
I pay dearly for extra dental cover, with my wife we pay almost 800 euros per annum for 3 star dental coverage. We've only used a small part of that over the years but unlike some others I was happy to pay for other peoples more expensive treatment, that's the way insurance is supposed to work. last year my insurer paid 100% for up to 6 complete fillings.
This year fillings are now categorised in 4 levels depending on the extent of filling required per tooth. Menzis now pay 34 euros for a level 1 filling rising to 81 euros for a level 5 my dentist charges 42.50 and 95.50 respectively. On these figures 6 level 5 fillings would last year have cost me no extra, this year I would have to pay 87 euros extra plus the extra 2.50 for consultation that was also 100% covered last year. I realise that this is getting a bit long but I also have to add that verdoving is now included in all filling packages, when before I would try to do without now I'm paying for it anyway so I might as well, how does this save any money in the zorg?

By WorkAreaBar | January 26, 2012 1:19 PM

no worries, I'm focusing on the 85% that are doing the 'right thing' - thank you all very much for this good example! we need you all in this often crazy world.

By Bill | January 26, 2012 3:39 PM

If my dentist had kept the SAME PRICES as last year for fillinges, I would be stuck with a deductible of about 40-50% (depending on the work done). Insurances HAVE reduced their coverage dramatically all under the ruse that they created this "test" to make prices more competitive. Bunch of nonsense. They are increasing their profits by reducing what they pay. Simple.

By Michael K | January 27, 2012 7:41 PM