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I have heard that I need to display information about private patient charges. Is this true and if it is how should I do this?

Sep 3, 2014, 08:32 AM
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The Dental Council has issued the Code of Practice relating to Display of Fees in Private Practices. This Code of Practice came into effect on 1 June 2011 and made it mandatory for dentists to display private fees in a place where patients can view them before consultation. The fee notice must be at least A4 size (29.7 x 21cm or 11.7 x 8.3in) and be legible, accurate and up-to-date. It must be prominently displayed in the practice and must be situated in a place where the patient could reasonably be expected to see the list before the consultation. It is recommended that the fee notice be displayed at any of the following locations:

  • Entrance to the practice
  • Reception area(s)
  • Waiting room(s)

Dentists with websites must also display fees in a similar format. The fees displayed must be accurate, transparent and inclusive of all costs. Dentists must display a single fee only for the following treatments:

  • Examination, diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Hygiene treatment (hygienist) – per visit
  • Hygiene treatment (dentist) – per visit
  • X-rays – large (OPG)
  • Prescription

Dentists must display fees for the following treatments and these may be displayed in the form of a range of fees. If displaying a range of fees, both the minimum and maximum fee must be shown. It is not permitted to set a minimum price only for any treatment:

  • Advanced gum treatment
  • Restorations – white (composite resin)
  • Restorations – silver (amalgam)
  • Acrylic-based dentures
  • Metal-based dentures
  • Root canal treatment
  • Routine extraction
  • Surgical extraction
  • Core/post preparation
  • Crowns

Further information and advice is available here