$3100 difference in dental quotes

A Napier retiree is "gobsmacked" to find a $3100 difference between quotes for dental treatment and is advising people to shop around before choosing a dentist.
Peter Boyce visited a Napier dental practice last month and was shocked to be told he needed $4400 worth of dental work.
He insisted on seeking another opinion and was glad he did when a practice less than 3km away quoted him $1300.
The lists of treatments were not entirely identical. Both included nine fillings, a root canal, a dental clean and an X-ray, but the more expensive quote also included a crown worth $1100, three more fillings, an extra clean and an additional five X-rays.
Mr Boyce said he was glad he took the initiative to shop around.
The principal dentist of the first practice attributed part of the price difference to the quality of services and treatment. He believed his dentist who saw Mr Boyce was one of the best in the country.
"Quality work costs," he said.
"I try to keep my prices fair and attempt to set them where applicable to the 50th per centile for the country. In other words, 50 out of 100 are cheaper, 50 are more expensive. I believe this is fair based on the fact that we use up-to-date equipment and materials."
Mr Boyce said the cost of dental work could put people off of seeking treatment. "I'm quite happy to pay [$1300], even though it is difficult to get your hands on the money."
His financial situation was above the minimum threshold to qualify for Work and Income assistance.
There was no fixed or recommended fee structure for private dental practices in New Zealand. Dental practices set their own prices, which could be influenced by location, facilities and whether it was a specialist or general dental practice.
NZDA chief executive David Crum said there was "huge" variance in pricing in New Zealand that also depended on patient volume and running costs. He also said some practices were set up in low-socio economic areas and would charge cheaper prices to encourage more people to visit.
In terms of avoiding being overcharged, he said: "Every patient has the right to a second opinion and seek advice," he said.
The Government did not subsidise dental care over the age of 18. Set up costs were expensive - a single piece of equipment could be worth six figures alone.
There were subsidies through Work and Income and ACC, but there were sectors of society that were simply unable to afford dental treatment, Mr Crum said.
Mr Crum advised good oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet and regular dental check ups as the best ways to avoid hefty dentist bills.
A 2009 New Zealand Dental Association survey revealed fees for dental services in the central North Island, including Hawke's Bay, were generally cheaper than Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Waikato and the Otago/Southland areas.