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

welshdent

noogle if you can face it, read the last 27 pages LOL. The summation is, if you were told it was necessary then it should be offered on the NHS unless you were to elect to opt out and have private treatment. Your terminologies are not clear but then thats to be expected. I dont normally expect a "scale and polish" to need 2 visits but more extensive cleaning can and often does. There is no technical difference however you can expect much more time to be taken privately because more is available to the clinician. To some that translates as a better job. To others it doesnt - I couldnt say to be honest.

boozercruiser

noogle wrote: »

Hello. I have a similar problem, although the stakes are higher. I recently visited the dentist [for the first time in a LONG time] who told me that I have gingivitis, a couple fillings needed and a sealing(?). He said I would need probably two visits to the hygenist to get my teeth cleaned.
Anyway, I'm a student and I registered as an NHS patient, but my quote given comes to £155.60. That breaks down to:
NHS band two for everything - £45.60
2 Hygiene @ £55 each

The receptionist mumbled something about them not offering it on the NHS, but I am not sure if she meant the service at all, or the service to me.

I will return and contest it, the dentist said I needed it after all, but is an NHS scale and polish considered the same as a private hygiene appointment, or do they involve different things (since they've different names).

Thanks for any help.

Just when everyone thought it was safe to go into the water:eek:
Noogle....as Welshdent says....if you can stand it, a little look for all of the information to contest the fact that you are being ripped off and that Dentist should be trating you under his NHS terms of contract.
You are paying an EXTRA £110 you do not need to.

Don't allow the receptionist to Mumble...just tell her (and the Dentist) that you want your Gingavitis treated on the NHS....and that includes Scale and Polish and full non-surgical periodontal treatment treatment.
Print out the NHS regulations and Dentist contract as per previous posts and put it them under that receptionists nose.

Particularly as you are a Student, this makes my Blood Boil!:mad:

Using information that other kind posters have inputted below, I have dug out this info which I hope will help you also.

Although the regulations below refer to Wales, looking at the England Regulations I cannot see any difference. If you wish to check this for yourself then go to http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/dhss/health/sd10006doc.pdf
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
2006 No. (W. )
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, WALES
The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Wales) Regulations 2006

SCHEDULE 1 Regulation 4(1)
Band 1 Charges – Diagnosis, treatment planning and maintenance
(a) clinical examination, case assessment and report
(b) orthodontic case assessment and report
(c) advice, dental charting, diagnosis and treatment planning
(d) radiographic examination, including panoral and lateral headplates, and radiological report
(e) study casts including in association with occlusal analysis
(f) colour photographs
(g) instruction in the prevention of dental and oral disease including dietary advice and dental hygiene instruction
(h) surface application as primary preventive measures of sealants and topical fluoride preparations
(i) scaling, polishing and marginal correction of fillings
(j) taking material for pathological examination
(k) adjustments to and easing of dentures or orthodontic appliances
(l) treatment of sensitive cementum
　
SCHEDULE 2
Regulation 4(2)
Band 2 Charges - Treatment
(a) non-surgical periodontal treatment including root-planing, deep scaling, irrigation of periodontal pockets and subgingival curettage and all necessary scaling and polishing
(b) surgical periodontal treatment, including gingivectomy, gingivoplasty or removal of an operculum
(c) surgical periodontal treatment, including raising and replacement of a mucoperiostal flap, curettage, root planning and bone resection
(d) free gingival grafts
(e) permanent fillings in amalgam, composite resin, synthetic resin, glass ionomer, compomers, silicate or silico-phosphate, including acid etch retention
(f) sealant restorations
(g) endodontic treatment of permanent or retained deciduous teeth
(h) pulpotomy
(i) apicectomy
(j) extraction of teeth
(k) transplantation of teeth
(l) oral surgery including surgical removal of cyst, buried root, unerupted tooth, impacted tooth or exostosed tooth and alveolectomy
(m) soft tissue surgery in relation to the buccal cavity and lips
(n) frenectomy, frenoplasty and frenotomy
(o) relining and rebasing dentures including soft linings
13
　
(p) addition of tooth, clasp, labial or buccal flange to dentures
(q) splints (other than laboratory fabricated splints) in relation to periodontally compromised teeth and in connection with external trauma
(r) bite raising appliances (other than laboratory fabricated appliances)
　
SCHEDULE 3
Regulation 4(3) and (4)
Band 3 Charges- Provision of Appliances
(a) porcelain, composite or acrylic mastique veneers, including acid etch retention
(b) inlays, pinlays, onlays and palatal veneers, in alloys containing 60% or more fine gold, porcelain, composite resin and ceramics
　
Crowns including any pin or post aids to retention
(c) full or three quarter crown cast in alloys containing not less than 33
1/3% fine gold or platinum or palladium
(d) full or jacket crown cast in alloys containing stainless steel or cobalt chromium or nickel chromium
(e) crown in porcelain or synthetic resin and other non-metallic crowns
(f) full or jacket crowns in alloys containing not less than 33
1/3% fine gold or platinum or palladium, or alloys containing stainless steel or cobalt chromium or nickel chromium, with thermally bonded porcelain
(g) jacket crown thermally bonded to wrought platinum coping
(h) prefabricated full or jacket crown, including any pin or post retention
(i) crowns in other materials
　
Bridges including any pin or post aids to retention
(j) bridges in alloys containing 60% or more fine gold with or without thermally bonded facings
(k) bridges cast in alloys containing stainless steel, cobalt chromium or nickel chromium, with or without thermally bonded facings
(l) acid etch retained bridges
(m) bridges in other materials
(n) provision of full (complete) or partial dentures, overdentures and obturators in synthetic resin or metal or both synthetic resin and metal, including any cast or wrought metal components or aids to retention
(o) orthodontic treatment and appliances
(p) other custom made appliances excluding sports guards
14
SCHEDULE 4
Regulation 4(5)
Urgent Treatment under Band 1 Charge
(a) examination, assessment and advice
(b) radiographic examination and radiological report
(c) dressing of teeth and palliative treatment
(d) pulpectomy or vital pulpotomy
(e) re-implantation of a luxated or subluxated permanent tooth following trauma including any necessary endodontic treatment
(f) repair and refixing of inlays and crowns
(g) refixing a bridge
(h) temporary bridges
(i) extraction of not more than 2 teeth
(j) provision of post-operative care including treatment of infected sockets
(k) adjustment and alteration of dentures or orthodontic appliances
(l) urgent treatment for acute conditions of the gingivae or oral mucosa, including treatment for pericoronitis or for ulcers and herpetic lesions, and any necessary oral hygiene instruction in connection with such treatment
(m) treatment of sensitive cementum or dentine
(n) incising an abscess
(o) other treatment immediately necessary as a result of trauma
(p) not more than 1 permanent filling in amalgam, composite resin, synthetic resin, glass ionomer, compomers, silicate or silico-phosphate including acid etch retention



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.

noogle_2

Guys thanks a lot for the info, I'd read the first few pages and got the gist, but it seems unlikely that your dentist would try to intentionally mislead you and charge that much extra.
I'll let you know how it goes when I pop in tomorrow.

noogle_2

To update, I was told to go ahead and make an appointment for NHS treatment only, and speak with the dentist while I'm there about NHS cleaning - she told me though that the private hygenist does a deep clean (which I assume is what I need) and the NHS doesn't.

welshdent

FWIW I suspect the hygienist would do a better job but you ARE entitled to what you "need" on the NHS course of treatment. Speak to the dentist and see what they say.

boozercruiser

noogle wrote: »

To update, I was told to go ahead and make an appointment for NHS treatment only, and speak with the dentist while I'm there about NHS cleaning - she told me though that the private hygenist does a deep clean (which I assume is what I need) and the NHS doesn't.

Is that Receptionist a Politician then....feeding you with 'Spin'?

So the Dentist doesn't do a deep clean?

What about his contract then and NHS Regulations? Has the receptionist or him not read them?

SCHEDULE 2
Regulation 4(2)
Band 2 Charges - Treatment
(a) non-surgical periodontal treatment including root-planing, deep scaling, irrigation of periodontal pockets and subgingival curettage and all necessary scaling and polishing.

The Receptionis is just trying to 'fob you off' and get another £110 out of you.

Please don't put up with it:mad:

Think of the bloke in TVs 'Take Me Out' when he lowers the lights and says to the Date Picker....

"The Power Is In Your Hands";) You have to choose between the Dentist of the Hygienist at extra cost.

Then take the Dentist for your full treatment for Gingavitis......

NOT the Hygienist:rotfl:

Unless you have more money than sense that is!:)

No offence meant like:)

boozercruiser

The thought just occured to me Noogle......give that receptionist the information to look at this post.

That will show them that you know a thing or two!

boozercruiser

welshdent wrote: »

FWIW I suspect the hygienist would do a better job but you ARE entitled to what you "need" on the NHS course of treatment. Speak to the dentist and see what they say.

Hi Welshdent....I do hope that you are keeping well.:D

I agree with you actually, and am only trying to help Noogle make sure that he gets the treatment which is actually NEEDED to treat his Gingivitis on the NHS.

I am not looking to have everything pearly white just so the teeth look lovely for the sake of it.

Go and see the Hygienist for that and arguably overall better Dental Health .:D

In Noogles case though I think he is being deceived just a bit!:D

welshdent

That's ok bc we are on the same page ;-)

boozercruiser

welshdent wrote: »

That's ok bc we are on the same page ;-)

You saying that means a lot to me Welshdent:beer:

I have not set out to upset Dentists or Hygienists in any of my Posts no matter what some may say. Honest.:D

I concede that it might look that way though to people who make a living out of Dental Care.

"Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".......................


Baby, do you understand me now
Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
With a joy that's hard to hide
And sometimes it seems that all I have do is worry
Then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has it's problems and I get my share
And that's one thing I never meant to do
Because I love you
Oh, Oh baby don't you know I'm human
Have thoughts like any other one
Sometimes I find myself long regretting
Some foolish thing some little simple thing I've done
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

P.S. I only just noticed that I have been thanked 92 times in 64 posts. Wow...thank YOU!

So quite a lot DO understand me here!