The crisis is leading more people to seek dental treatment made by students in colleges at reduced prices. Last year, there were more than 65 000 queries only in Lisbon and Porto.
In the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto, the price of consultations varies between 15 and 25 euros. But the same crisis that leads more people to these services means that many here also begin to avoid the more expensive treatments.
On the third floor of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon (FMDUL), almost only hear the noise of the equipment of more than one hundred students of the fourth and fifth years. Patients appear rested in the hands of students: the intervention starts only after an assessment of the clinical history and each new step is only given after approval of the teacher.
There, held annually around 40 000 consultations. No one can pass to the next stage without being checked and signed by us, explains the Rosário Mexia, one of the assistants of the Faculty of Dentistry. The teacher was part of the first class of students and ensures that faculty who have never seen anything serious.
In Porto, the clinic director, Paulo Melo, remember that students start at the simplest acts and as they gain experience and knowledge going forward. In 2009, there were about 25 000 consultations.
In schools there is a moral obligation to provide excellent service to the community, says the president of the student association FMDUL, Diogo Monteiro. Without the pressure of commercial clinics, dentists may further discuss the history and appeal to various specialists who are full professors, assistant professors, he stresses.
Maria do Carmo Silva, 48 years old, found this service for three years. I have been through several hands and I have no reason to complain. They are friendly and very concerned. I've done here some treatments are so complicated and careful than ever to connect me to know how I'm reacting.
The issue price is also an asset. Queries are much more economic and, in times of crisis, it also has, he admits.
No comments:
Post a Comment