Dental Association reacts to damning report

The Irish Dental Association is welcoming only some of the recommendations in a report by the Competition Authority on dental services in this country.

The report criticised the dental sector for being so over-priced that consumers were forced to go abroad for som e procedures.

It also accused the Dental Association of hampering competition by stopping dentists from offering discounts to the public.

However, the association has refuted these claims, and said that Irish dentists offer good value for money.

"While we will endorse any responsible proposals to encourage competitiveness within the profession, we could not condone any proposals which prioritise competitiveness over pati ent welfare," said spokesperson for the Dental Association, Ciara Murphy.

"Dentists like any other healthcare professionals do have a duty of care with respect to their patients, which cannot be sacrificed on the alter of competition" she said.