Now that Dr Makepeace Richmond is no longer with us I am learning the true cost of dentistry. To repair a tooth one needs a tooth canal cleaning at a cost of $22,000. How will parents meet this cost?
There are other concerns for consumers and a dedicated consumer tells it:
“Dental health of the population has always been one of the major concerns of consumer advocates. Dental health ensured by the professional work of qualified dentists and educating the population, especially children, in dental hygiene such as regular cleaning of teeth and appropriate diet.
“One of the greatest dangers to dental health in Guyana is the existence of a large number of ‘quack dentists’ all over the country. Such ‘quacks’ would normally have worked with a qualified dentist for a short period and would have learnt to do the easier extractions and fillings, and to have done the basics in making a dental plate.
These ‘quacks’ have no knowledge of the anatomy of the mouth and head, or of the medical knowledge which a qualified dentist acquires at university or of the proper procedures in conducting a clinic.
“These ‘quacks’ practise in ill-equipped rooms. They almost invariably do not sterilize equipment since it is only one set they have. They do not wear gloves and if they do, they do not dispose of them after tending to a patient. They re-use disposable equipment such as needles.
“This could result in the spread of AIDS, since an infected needle could have been used on an unsuspecting patient. And hepatitis and tuberculosis are equal dangers, patients of ‘quacks’ face.
“Since ‘quacks’ have no medical knowledge, they would not know how to treat patients with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart problems. A qualified dentist would study the medical history of his patient or quickly do his own tests. Patients with such diseases will have to be treated before dental work is done to avoid the threat of very serious complications such as prolonged bleeding or wounds which do not heal or which develop pus.
“Those ‘quacks’ who make dental plates do so by merely taking an impression. Since they have no detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the mouth and the bone structure of the upper and lower jaw, such plates often do not fit properly and could be a lifelong discomfort.
“The ‘quacks’ use old equipment which the qualified dentists would have condemned and thrown out. The use of such condemned equipment is an added danger to patients.
“When those who patronize ‘quacks’ are asked why they endanger their health and even life by going to them, the standard reply is that the fees of qualified dentists are higher or that there are no dentists in their district. In point of fact the ‘quack’ fees are based on the fees of qualified dentists, and when one thinks of the safety and proper conditions of a dentist’s surgery together with the fact that one could claim National Insurance, the fees turn out to be much the same.
“In any case, patients could use the free service of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Institute and the dental offerings in the various hospitals countrywide.
“In the long term the solution to this ‘quack’ problem is firstly to strengthen an effectuate the law against ‘quack’ dentists as used to be done in colonial times. Secondly it is to intensify public education on personal dental care and the dangers of ‘quack’ dentistry. And lastly, it is necessary to develop the training opportunities for qualified dentists. This would include utilizing the training offerings from abroad, (eg Cuba) and urgently building up the Dental School of the University of Guyana.”
