Madam, – I have been thinking of Oscar Wilde’s dictum on those who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
You had a very good article on the cost of dental care in the recession and how, for major dental treatment, people could travel to Northern Ireland or Budapest (Pricewatch, February 28th). I have been putting off a necessary dental treatment probably because it was expensive, but also, like a lot of people, I don’t like going to the dentist. However, I know I will go to the dentist I have attended for many years.
I am far from well off and know that for the foreseeable future I will do without things I can’t afford. Being brought up in the 1950s is a good preparation for that.
I am going to my dentist not only because he is competent, but, because he is a person I know and respect I would like to give him that extra money. He has fewer patients and I’d be fairly sure he is still supporting family. So I take the advice of Oscar Wilde, a man of both kindness and wisdom. – Yours, etc,