Asked for Dental NHS Scale and Polish.Told "Go to Hygienist at £25 extra"

coldstreamalways

Boozer, does your consultant make you sit in his office to ensure you don't die from an allergic reaction to your antibiotic prescription? Afterall, that is far more likely than you having any issues with the transient bacteraemia that may be caused by dental treatment but is almost certainly created when you brush your teeth or eat. Both of which I assume you do under antibiotic prophylaxis?

boozercruiser

coldstreamalways wrote: »

Boozer, does your consultant make you sit in his office to ensure you don't die from an allergic reaction to your antibiotic prescription? Afterall, that is far more likely than you having any issues with the transient bacteraemia that may be caused by dental treatment but is almost certainly created when you brush your teeth or eat. Both of which I assume you do under antibiotic prophylaxis?

Well, I have been having Amoxicillin before Dental work for 8 years now...and I am still here.:)

For the rest of your 'slightly sarcastic'? post. I need to think about that.:)

Savvy_Sue

jennikitten wrote: »

Thanks

I just assumed it was standard, I never even thought I could complain? To be honest it was a bit like a cattle market, just told to move between a couple of different waiting rooms, dentist checked my teeth in complete silence, didn't really speak to me etc. Equipment didn't seem as good either, e.g. at the private one they use a gadget for telling you exactly how much each of your teeth is eroded by/damaged, so they can pick out problems/teeth that need fillings earlier on.

and now you know the difference between private and NHS care, and find private was working out cheaper and more convenient, hmm, what should you do?

welshdent

Booze I never now give antibiotic cover. It is indefensible if I provide it against the guidelines and the patient has a reaction. If a consultant is that adamant that their patient have it then my advice is that they see their GP/consultant for its provision. My feeling is that if bacterial endocarditis was such a major risk to so many people, why are they not dropping with it daily when they brush their teeth? Its exactly the same thing the only differences is the dentist does the cleaning at the surgery and you do it at home.

My personal feelings are that I would never and have never refused to provide a scale and polish or periodontal disease treatment on the NHS if it is clinically necessary. I have the necessary examination findings to support my proposed treatment plans. The only person to have ever made a fuss was a family member of a patient who was happy with the treatment they recieved. They just resented the band 2 charge. (BPE 444/444).

That said I see nothing wrong in offering treatment with a private hygienist as long as you are clear and open what it entails .. i.e. additional charges to the NHS fees. If people want to see them then its their choice.

brook2jack

boozercruiser wrote: »

I have not got to go back to the Dentist for treatment for a coupla fillings and an extraction until next month.

Now then, the Dentist knows that I have a Bovine (Silly Moo!) Pericardial Heart Valve. I do of course know that Dental Care for me is important and Gum Disease should be avoided at all costs.

My Dentist didn't offer me any advice on Dental Care or any Medication of which there are some out there that can help. Another sign that this particular Dentist is Lacking 2011.

Well BC I'm sure you know if you need extractions and fillings you need to look at your diet.

If you have gum disease then you should be flossing and using tepe brushes. You are absolutely not a candidate for drug therapy for gum problems they are only suitable after patient cooperation has been obtained, excellent oral hygiene maintained, root planing carried out and there is still inflammation.

As for antibiotics before treatment...... Total rubbish. Every time you eat or brush your teeth you introduce bacteria into your blood stream , if your gums are inflammed, at a similar or greater level than when your teeth are scaled and polished. More people die each year from allergic reactions to antibiotics given for dental "prophylaxis " than die from bacterial endocarditis which is what it is designed to prevent.

Just because you have taken antibiotics before doesn't mean you will not develop an allergy to them next time. In fact you have to take them at least once before to prime your immune system to develop an allergy.

brook2jack

Jennikitten, the difference between private and NHS treatment is that on the NHS you are only entitled to that which secures your dental health.

You would only be entitled to a NHS scale and polish if you had signs of gum disease not just to remove a bit of stain or tartar.

I hope that if you are not happy you follow toothsmiths signature advice and find a good probably private practice that will give you the care you are used to.

jennikitten

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

and now you know the difference between private and NHS care, and find private was working out cheaper and more convenient, hmm, what should you do?

Apparently travel 70 miles every time I need to visit the dentist.

brook2jack wrote: »

You would only be entitled to a NHS scale and polish if you had signs of gum disease not just to remove a bit of stain or tartar.

The dentist did say I had signs of gum disease & should go to the hygienist's every 6 months. More upselling? The problem is that now I don't know whether it's actually an issue or if they're just trying to make more money out of me :mad:

brook2jack

If you need treatment then absolutely that should be available on the NHS.

Can you not ask friends etc for reccomendations for a good dentist near you now?

Apollonia

boozercruiser wrote: »

Can some kind Dentist explain here how her particular Dentist can REFUSE to clean her teeth, yet refer the Patient to the Hygenist?

Are you even reading ANY of the replies that the dentists have been giving over and over and over again? Or is it a comprehension problem?

A dentist can REFUSE* to clean teeth when it is NOT CLINICALLY NECESSARY FOR HEALTH. If a patient would like to have their teeth cleaned but it IS NOT CLINICALLY NECESSARY, then private treatment is the only option. And private treatment in most cases will be cheaper with a hygienist than with a dentist.

*Not only can, but HAS TO REFUSE because under NHS guidelines it would be defrauding the NHS to carry out unnecessary treatment.

Why is it so hard for you to understand this basic point that has been repeated constantly since you started this thread?

You seem to me to be totally blinkered against any information that does not fit your own case and your own prejudices.


Oh, sorry - forgot to add - "with the greatest respect" and "in my opinion", "M8" - because apparently these phrases render any rudeness/sarcasm/ignorance null and void.

boozercruiser

jennikitten wrote: »

Apparently travel 70 miles every time I need to visit the dentist.



The dentist did say I had signs of gum disease & should go to the hygienist's every 6 months. More upselling? The problem is that now I don't know whether it's actually an issue or if they're just trying to make more money out of me :mad:

In MY opinion..yes, more upselling i'm afraid. The Dentist is just trying to fob you off to make more money out of you.
You go away, he has more time to slot another 'Mug' into his chair so as to advise them that they also need to see the Hygenist for around another £30

Look love, it is simple....if you have been told that you have gum disease, then THAT DENTIST should be treating you for it inside his NHS Bands for which he is ALREADY being paid for.

His contract says that.....keep him to it, and if he refuses complain to the Health Authority......simple...is it not?:D

[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it – either Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3. If you have to be referred to another dentist for another course of treatment, you can expect a second charge. Some minor treatments are free, including having stitches removed and repair to dentures (if they can be mended). [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][/FONT]
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]'TREATMENT YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH, TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY!'
[/FONT]

Simple...isn't it?

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2010
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times][FONT=Times New Roman,Times]�[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it – either Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3. If you have to be referred to another dentist for another course of treatment, you can expect a second charge. Some minor treatments are free, including having stitches removed and repair to dentures (if they can be mended). [/FONT]
[/FONT]If you are not exempt from charges, you should pay one of the following charges for each course of treatment you receive:[FONT=Times New Roman,Times][FONT=Times New Roman,Times]�[/FONT]
[/FONT]Band 1 course of treatment – £16.50
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, A SCALE AND POLISH, IF NEEDED!!!!!!, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealants. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge. [/FONT]
[/FONT]Band 2 course of treatment – £45.60
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth. [/FONT]
[/FONT]Band 3 course of treatment – £198.00
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges. [/FONT]
[/FONT]Free NHS dental treatment or help with health costs
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]You may be eligible for help with all or part of the costs of your NHS dental treatment. To see if this applies to you, see the leaflet [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]NHS dental services in England[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light], which is available from any NHS dental practice or at [/FONT][/FONT]www.dh.gov.uk/dentistry
[FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]For advice on how to get help with health costs [/FONT][/FONT]call 0845 850 1166 [FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]or see [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]Help with health costs [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light](HC11), which is available from Jobcentre Plus offices and NHS dentists, or at [/FONT]
[/FONT]www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
For further information on NHS dental services and dental charges, see the leaflet [FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]NHS dental services in England[/FONT][/FONT], which is available from NHS dental practices, or the more detailed [FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light][FONT=Frutiger 45 Light,Frutiger 45 Light]Guide to NHS dental services in England[/FONT][/FONT], which are available at www.dh.gov.uk/dentistry, or ask your primary care trust (PCT) for help.

Wales is the same....but a bit cheaper.