In the last decade, dentistry in Spain has undergone one of the greatest periods of change in its history, partly due to the disproportionate increase in the number of professionals that has taken place throughout the country, a consequence of the application of free market criteria to the higher education system in Spain, which leaves the training of health professionals in the hands of large educational corporations.
One of the effects this is having on the dental profession is that various companies with no apparent relationship or knowledge of the dental sector are bursting in with the opening of large clinics, sometimes with no other claim than a reduced price, or a bargain... a practice that some dentists tend to imitate in their clinics with more than questionable results.
If you have ever come across an offer for a 'cheap dentist', it will probably do you good to read the following thoughts, as some of them will have crossed your mind:
- Private healthcare requires large investments in equipment, which must be of the highest quality in order to achieve excellence and success in treatment.. This is incompatible with supply-side dentistry..
- A competent professional must take continuous training courses, master's degrees and refresher courses to keep up to date and offer the latest techniques. This is incompatible with supply-side dentistry..
- A dental clinic must offer you reliable professionals, the latest technology, and careful attention during long opening hours at your service. This is incompatible with supply-side dentistry..
Think about it just once: Would you give birth with a Groupon voucher? Would you have an eye operation with a 2×1 promotion for your partner? Would you accept a paediatrician for your child who does not know the latest treatment techniques?
Surely, the answer to these questions is the same as the answer you should give when asked if you go to a bargain dentist "No, I go to a trusted, qualified health professional who is up to date with the latest technologies and uses the best materials in my treatments". Congratulations, if so, because your mouth is not on offer.
