Authored by: Dr. Ilan Price
Most of us are familiar with the dentist’s office as a place where it’s not enough to just open your mouth, but also your wallet, with a willingness to part with a significant sum.
It often reaches the point where some people are forced to delay complex treatments due to their high costs.
So why are dental treatments so expensive today?
What lies behind the huge price differences in root canal treatments and other dental procedures between one dentist and their peers?
Is it even possible to save on dental treatments without jeopardizing your health?
All the answers in the following article.
Geographic location – Dental treatments in the periphery versus the center
It turns out that in dentistry, too, there is a small but noticeable gap between average costs in central areas compared to the prices offered by dentists in peripheral regions.
However, it is important to remember that this is just another aspect of a broader disparity that exists in most aspects of life, as the average income level among the general population also reflects these differences.
Additionally, dentists practicing in peripheral areas pay lower rent compared to central locations, offer lower wages to their staff, and in some cases, are eligible for tax breaks—allowing them to offer cheaper prices to patients.
That said, it’s important to note that overall, the price differences between the center and the periphery are not significant, but rather marginal.
The treating dentist’s specialization
The cost of treatment at a general dentist’s clinic will differ from what you’d pay at specialized dentists, such as orthodontists or periodontists.
It’s essential to understand that the educational path required for dentists to specialize in various subfields—many of which are critical for comprehensive and professional treatment—is long and, no less importantly, extremely costly.
Therefore, if you’re required to pay for treatment from a dentist with a high level of expertise in the specific area where you need assistance, know that the cost will be worth it in terms of the results.
When it comes to your dental health, skimping on expertise may cost you more in the long run.
Quality of materials and equipment in the clinic
In dental treatments, the quality and effectiveness of care also depend on the quality of the materials and professional equipment used in the clinic.
Treatment performed with advanced equipment and high-quality materials will be optimal and will lead to long-term results, assuming the dentist is experienced and skilled.
This principle applies to all dental treatments, especially the more complex types, such as full dentures.
In cases involving actual surgical procedures, using low-quality materials, outdated equipment, or having the procedure performed by an insufficiently qualified dentist may pose significant risks to the patient and could, unfortunately, result in emergency hospitalization.
Differences in prices among dental clinics
Due to the lack of sufficient and effective regulation by the Ministry of Health on dental clinics, significant price differences exist among dentists offering treatments to their patients.
While various factors influence costs—such as the quality of materials and equipment—unfortunately, some dentists inflate prices for unethical reasons.
This highlights the importance of finding a reliable and professional dentist who can be trusted and will only recommend truly necessary treatments at fair prices.
To be safe, it’s advisable to conduct market research and compare prices across different clinics to ensure that any offer you receive is reasonable and fair.
Each dentist’s different approach
While some patients have reported receiving unnecessary treatment recommendations—likely for financial gain—it’s essential to remember that this is still medicine.
Different dentists naturally have different approaches, and their opinions may vary regarding the best way to treat dental issues. These differing approaches can also influence price quotes.
Understandably, more comprehensive and complex treatment plans will have a different price impact compared to a simple filling.
In many cases, large price differences between treatments can result from different treatment philosophies.
Some dentists may prefer a conservative and minimalist approach to dental care, while others may aim to solve the problem and prevent future complications with more extensive treatment.
A responsible dentist will be able to explain the treatment strategy behind their recommendations and present you with alternative options for treating your dental problems.
High competition in the field
The absence of government funding, which essentially means the near-complete privatization of dental care in Israel, creates tremendous competition between dentists.
This competition actually benefits patients, who can compare prices and choose the dentist that best suits them.
However, it’s important to remember that a specialist dentist will understandably charge higher fees compared to a general dentist. When comparing prices across dental clinics, price shouldn’t be the only factor.
It’s important to find a clinic that offers fair prices for different dental treatments while also maintaining high standards of material quality, equipment innovation, and, most importantly, professional staff expertise.
In the end, if you choose your dentist wisely, the intense competition in the field can work in your favor.
Inflating treatment costs unnecessarily
Unfortunately, there are quite a few dentists who try to protect their financial interests at the expense of their patients by recommending more complex and expensive treatments than necessary.
These dentists tarnish the profession’s reputation, harming dedicated and professional colleagues who use their medical knowledge and experience to benefit their patients’ health.
These fraudulent cases are relatively easy to uncover, and in most cases, all it takes is seeking a second opinion.
A professional dentist will explain the available treatment options, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, along with the associated costs for each alternative.
Unsure? Ask and request the examining dentist to explain their recommendations and outline the possible treatment options, if available.
You have every right as a patient to know what treatments can help resolve your health issues—just like in any other field of medicine!
What can you do to ensure you receive professional treatment at a fair price?
First, it’s essential to be aware that various recommended price lists for dental treatments are available online from objective, professional bodies.
A reliable price list takes into account different parameters, such as the differences between clinics in the center and the periphery and between general dentists and specialists.
Additionally, there are price lists for dental treatments through health maintenance organizations (HMOs), where the costs are lower, especially for patients with supplementary insurance who have been covered for a year or more.
Understandably, the level of care you receive privately will be more personalized, if only because the dentist will have more time to dedicate to you.
Dentists are human, and naturally, a dentist working in their private practice, under more comfortable conditions, and without the need to see an overwhelming number of patients in one shift (as often happens in HMOs), will have more time to treat you.
Alongside the price, the dentist’s expertise and professionalism are even more critical.
In any case, don’t hesitate to request to see a valid license! It’s your full right, and the licensing process is designed to protect you.
Note that a training certificate doesn’t indicate the dentist’s formal qualifications—only a valid license does.
Bottom line:
Dental care is as important and essential for health and quality of life as other medical fields.
Just as you wouldn’t compromise on the expertise and level of care of a cardiologist or brain surgeon, there’s no reason to sacrifice your oral health just to save on costs.
Conduct market research, seek recommendations from friends and family, demand to see a valid license—and you’ll be on your way to professional and optimal treatment that will relieve unnecessary pain and give you a perfect, bright smile.
Why are dental treatments expensive? Discover the reasons and leading solutions in the field of aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Ilan Price guarantees quality and innovation. Contact us for consultation and appointments!
