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TraceyB
06-07-2008, 1:39 PM
Does anyone know if there is a maximim you can pay for a course of treatment under the NHS for dental work?

I am sure that about 6 years ago when I had a vast amount of dental work done that there was a maximum amount I would pay - I assume the NHS picked up the rest of the bill?

Does anyone know if this still applies and if so what the limit is now?

Thanks in advance
Toothsmith
06-07-2008, 1:46 PM
The limit for one corse of treatment before April 2006 was about £320.

Since April 2006, it's the Band 3 charge of £198.

Sounds like the new NHS contract is wonderful when it's put like that doesn't it? :D
TraceyB
06-07-2008, 1:48 PM
Thanks for that - completely agree it does sound good when put like that!

Shame it never feels like a good deal though eh!
Toothsmith
06-07-2008, 2:05 PM
The thing is though, with the old system, you could easily get quite a lot of treatment for your £320.

With the new system, a single crown, or even a simple one-tooth denture would cost you £198.

As the dentist gets no more points for doing 10 crowns as for doing one - yet the dentist still has to pay the technician for making the crowns - it will be very unlikely that a dentist will ever take on a treatment plan that requires multiple units.

Of course, if you NEED multiple crowns, then technically, they should be available to you as an NHS patient. But you will hear all sorts of excuses from the dentist as to why it's not a suitable treatment for you!
TraceyB
06-07-2008, 2:47 PM
So if the treatment was for a bridge consisting of say two teeth - would it be 2 lots of £198?
NBirdy
06-07-2008, 2:51 PM
A bridge should be one course of treatment regardless of the number of teeth/units - so one maximum fee.
TraceyB
06-07-2008, 4:41 PM
Thanks everyone for your help.
tirednewdad
06-07-2008, 7:28 PM
So if the treatment was for a bridge consisting of say two teeth - would it be 2 lots of £198?

No it would still be one fee of £198.
Unfortunately as Toothsmith said so well, the NHS DENTIST WILL NOT BE SO KEEN TO PROVIDE YOU WITH the treatment. Instead he is more likely to offer the bridge as a private treatment. He is allowed to do this as all he has to provide for you is something that is functional or suitable for purpose
I.e. nothing or a plastic denture.