Oil leak from dipstick housing??

I have an oil leak coming from where the dipstick goes into the block, and the mechanic that is looking at it is saying he has to pull the motor to repair, is this right?? Seems like alot of work for what needs to be repaired, so he is estimating $800-1,000 to pull motor and repair?? Anyone have some input for me, i just don't want to go to a bunch of extra work and money if that isn't the case. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif