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NHS Dental Advice

Help.

I called the NHS direct line today to try to find a local dentist ... and failed. I keep trying this every 6 months and everytime come back with "I can join a waiting list". I almost expect that the only way to move up these lists is if someone dies, or moves (and yes I am on about 6 waiting lists!)

This has been going on for about 3 years and now I am in dire need of a dentist. I would go private - but I really can not afford it.

Does anyone know where I can go from here? It was no longer urgent when I started looking but now I am desprate for a dentist. I am in pain that is stopping me sleeping. I could go to an emergency dentsit - but I know they will just "stitch me up and say go see a dentist".

I am considering just signing up to an NHS dentist in any area that is taking patients on. Scotland, Wales who cares I need a dentist. (I live in the SE around Hampshire/Berkshire).

On another note - what is the max price a NHS dentist can charge and do they allow you to pay it off over a certain period? I only ask as I know by now I probably need a huge amount of work done.

Would I possibly be better off getting dental insurance and holding off for a dentist until the normal waiting period is over?

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Availability changes daily, not twice a year. Ring up more often - twice a week would be more likely to get you a result.

    Also, ring your local PCT - not NHS direct.

    No-one is 'registered' with an NHS dentist anymore, so everybody (in theory) should have an equal chance of getting seen. NHS dentists no longer have a 'list' of patients.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    dayzee wrote: »

    I would go private - but I really can not afford it.

    How many practices have you been to to check prices?

    If you just rely on what the papers tell you 'private charges' are, then no-one in the country could afford them!
    dayzee wrote: »
    Would I possibly be better off getting dental insurance and holding off for a dentist until the normal waiting period is over?

    Had you done this 3 years ago, you'd have no problems now.

    If you can afford the premiums, then this would be the best way to go, but check carefully what the qualifying period is, and whether any initial check up and treatment is included.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • alison999
    alison999 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    dayzee wrote: »
    what is the max price a NHS dentist can charge and do they allow you to pay it off over a certain period

    £198 is the maximum per course of treatment. theyy might let you pay in installments but hold off rteatment unitl you have paid (you wouldnt go to tescos without paying, right?) some practises let you pay at the end but these are few and far between since people could easily give faulse details and never been seen again, therefore leaving the practice out of pocket.

    why not start saving now? or as youve said, get some insurance? with most insurance though you need to be dentally fit to join.
  • hi, i have just found a dentist that is taking on but it is in Doncaster. i don't know if that is of any use to you, as my geography is absolutely rubbish:confused:
  • If you wish to make a complaint about the care or service provided by your dentist or dentists' surgery, contact the person responsible for the practice complaints procedure.
    Your dentist will try to resolve your complaint at this stage.
    If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask the Healthcare Commission (an independent body established to promote improvements in healthcare) for an independent review of your case.
  • alison999
    alison999 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    If you wish to make a complaint about the care or service provided by your dentist or dentists' surgery, contact the person responsible for the practice complaints procedure.
    Your dentist will try to resolve your complaint at this stage.
    If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask the Healthcare Commission (an independent body established to promote improvements in healthcare) for an independent review of your case.


    they dont have a dentist to take any complaint up with:confused:


    .... wont let me delete so took the link out :)


    just realized that was spam grrr
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Can You delete your post Alison, as it has the signature link of the spammer in it.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
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