Dentists...

Ah this thread reminded me that I haven't been in years, and that my teeth are falling apart, so probably should.

I have just booked a new patient exam at a local dentist. Anyone know if new patient exams cost anything? Or do they just look and say, 'yep you need £1500 worth of treatment' and it's up to you from there?
 
As some people have said in this thread, you can get private treatment in an NHS dentist but in my opinion don't go private at an NHS dentist surgery(?). They have time constraints and "another workload" that they need to work around your private treatment so might not necessarily get the time/attention you deserve.
 
Muban said:
I'm now with a private dentist and on a dental plan. If you go down the private route you'll have a check up, get any outstanding work done and you should then be able to get yourself on a dental plan. They're usually fairly reasonable and you can pay monthly by DD. As above if you decide to go private get recommendations.
Click to expand...

That is good to know, hopefully I don't need anything more than a couple of fillings right off the bat.

I've looked at one local private place and some of the fees they have online aren't too terrible really. Guess I can just go for the initial consultation and get a feel for whether or not I'm getting my money's worth vs experiences with the NHS.
 
sbi5ar said:
The only way to explain it is economy vs first class when traveling, yes you get from A to B but its all about the journey
Click to expand...

I'm not convinced by the analogy because in the travel scenario you can choose up front the route you want to take before deciding whether you want economy or first class. Whereas with dentists typically (not always) you will choose a type prior to knowing what work you will or won't require. I've never needed any 'proper' dentistry beyond checkups and hygienist so difficult to weigh up whether private would have given much benefit. Also the person primarily responsible for your safety (pilot) is the same when travelling whereas with dentistry it may not be.
 
Another thing to consider.

Mostly the NHS is a bit "Dog in the Manger"

With dentistry this is not the case, you can go between private and NHS without being screwed over.

As long as you have an NHS dentist you can still use private practice for those "special moments" without causing you any long term problems.
 
Private for me, but have perfect teeth so its cheap.

Previously went to my local NHS dentist, but discovered my surgery employ previously suspended dentists.

One was done for pulling the wrong teeth and trying to cover it up.

Another was caught taking photos in a female changing room with a hidden camera.

They did not do the things at the practice, but my NHS one is like a rehab clinic for offending dentists.

Tip of the day: Check the British dental association with the registration number of you dentist.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...era-toilet-potpourri-film-women-changing.html

and

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-bin-sewed-hours-later-pulling-wrong-one.html
 
Last edited:
I think it entirely depends on dentist, I have been really lucky with mine and my last filling I didnt even feel the injections (which is apparently a skill) and the filling I had was painless. all the checkups I have had have been good as well.

On the other hand I have read quite bad reviews of the same dental practice so I think its really down your own judgement.
 
qqg3 said:
What are your opinions on private vs NHS?

Haven't been in a couple of years, in a new area now and tempted to go private (think it'll be less hassle than NHS) because I've got a couple of niggles that need some attention.

Just how expensive will it be? Some local options offer things like Den plan (?)...
Click to expand...


I am a dentist, private, I treat patient referrals and restore failing adult dentitions.

It is a lottery, word of mouth is best like someone said. There are some very good, conscientious NHS and private dentists out there and recommendations are the way to go. Private fees vary.

You could call the owner of a local dental technician or two and ask who the better dentists are in your area, they will recommend a good one.

It is good if you have continuity and you get what you pay for.

Most people need a check up once a year, and a professional clean between once and four times a year.

You must get your chops, and soft tissues checked at least once a year, it includes an oral cancer screen.

Use dental tape daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste. Reduce sugary snacks and drinks and you will maintain your teeth and dental work and need only minimum maintenance.

Best of luck

pod
 
Have always used NHS, mixed results really. I've always been able to sign up without any delay wherever I've gone, so suggestion is keep trying different ones until you find a good one
 
Used private recently for the first time and far from impressed for a service that cost me over three times the NHS rate. Highly rated so must just be a dud of a personal experience, just a matter of finding a better one.
 
Always used NHS.

I have a NHS dentist and he is brilliant.

Before my current one though I hated the all the others for their service.
 
Always used the NHS and our dentist was very good. He treated our family for years. He's retired now so it will be private next time we have need of one.
 
Hyburnate said:
Yep it's all about finding a decent one. I don't mind paying for the dentist to be fair and am going to have a deep clean booked in next time I go :)
Click to expand...

This. i have had good and bad NHS ones over the years. My current Italian one is the best ive ever had and doubt I could get better as private.
 
Every dentist I've spoke to said don't bother with DenPlan or anything like that. The amount you pay annually for two check-ups and a clean are usually cheaper than the annual payments and most plans cover pretty much nothing for repair work.
 
The dentist near me has a plan for £10 a month which includes 2 checkups and hygiene visits per year, 2 x X-rays (if needed), worldwide dental injury and emergence cover, free teeth whitening for life.

Having not been to the dentist for about 5 years I think i'll be signing up to this as it seems quite affordable factoring in the free teeth whitening.
 
I'm with an NHS Dentist and tbh I wouldn't have considered them except they've had glowing reviews from people I know who use them. After a few visits myself, including for one serious issue, I would agree with the reviews. They've been outstanding for me, but I know I got lucky with them. Hopefully my teeth remain in fairly decent shape and I don't need anything more than basic checkups though, just to be safe.
 
Can't get in any of the NHS dentist by me as they all claim to be full.

So I took the plunge and went to a private surgery.

It is about £25 for a basic check up and £35 for a scale and polish. I also had my two lower wisdom teeth removed and that cost £100 per time. They charge around £70 for x-rays.

They also do a load more work and the 'menu' in the sitting area shows you can be paying thousands for some of the procedures but to be fair they look like pretty intensive procedures. Thankfully, for the ones I have needed so far it has been reasonably priced.

The atmosphere is nice, and the dentist I see is experienced and friendly as are the nurses and other staff members. The waiting area is clean and you are free to get a drink if you want one. The consultation rooms are also clean and tidy.

I feel like I have found a good place and will continue to go there but I am also considering insurance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom