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

welshdent

I rarely do veneers and certainly do not do them cosmetically. I aspire to quality necessary dentistry not treatment of "hyperenamelosis" I gather there was a lively discussion atbthe bda following a lecture on veneer preparation.

Toothsmith

Pennylane wrote: »

Do you honestly think if she asked any surgery whether their dentist was "good with children" they would say "well no actually he hates working on kids."

With any qualified profession, you expect a certain standard and I would have done just the same in her place. Surely dentists are taught about working with different age groups/special need requirements etc.

I think you're living in a bit of a fantasy world here.

In my world, there are even some teachers who aren't particularly good with children!

Although a noble ideal, it's a bit unrealistic to expect every qualified person to be an expert in every single aspect of their discipline.

I'm generally OK with nervous patients (but don't go looking for them, as I find working on nervous people very stressful myself) I'm also not bad with kids (I went to school with them ) but there have been kids that I've just not been able to get anywhere near.

coldstreamalways

Sometimes I would love to know what other posters on here do for a living so I can spout totally biased and one sided rubbish about their jobs.

Pennylane, I really hate treating children, I find it excessively stressful to the point where it brings me out with eczema. For that reason, if it was appropriate (and it isn't in my current job) I would ask not to see children. Of course I am trained to do it and regularly do CPD in paeds to keep my hand in but given the choice I wouldn't see them and tbh, they wouldn't want to see me over and above a dentist who enjoys treating them.

You are a liar if you say there are parts of your job you enjoy less than others. Dentists are actual people as well.

boozercruiser

I find it very interesting that Toothsmith and Coldstreamways have said that it is very stressfull treating nervous patients.

I remember not too long ago the Dentist asked me to try and relax as he was finding treating me stressfull.

I admit that probably like most people, I am very nervous while having Dental Treatment (even Scale and Polish as well:D).

Still, I try to remember what he said and I relax just as much as I can, (Calm down, Calm down) possibly while trying to think of Boobs and the like!:)

welshdent

Treating nervous patients can indeed be extremely stressful. Not least because usually they are hypersensitive to all things so you have to be conscious that the slightest innocuous slip with a hand piece could have them running out of the door where someone else probably wouldnt even notice.
as for kids, depends on the kid!

personally I long for the day I can just look down my microscope and do the stuff I like (not JUST endo ) rather than the stuff I hate like making dentures and doing extractions.
Oddly I dont mind perio so much as motivated patients do respond really well so thats nice to see.,

GotToChange

Just to update:
I "found" (very easily) a local dentist accepting patients to be treated "on" the NHS - choice of two in my nearest village/small town. I did this after my exam/treatment plan at private only (one dentist) practice - so far having cost me over £200 for perio survey and casts for future implant possibility. Have also joined the practice plan (£13.00/month) - and had 20% deducted from the £200 so far paid. Cost for perio treatment and further survey is £700 plus...
Had an appointment this morning with local practice (newly modernised and extended) with the understanding that I am hoping to be treated the NHS-way. He assessed a level of perio (without the painful survey/cost [£80] - paid privately) and took two X-rays (no panoramic). The plan is for two (2 x quadrants each time) treatments, with local anaesthetic, each to take around half an hour. He told me that I should "save my money" (for my future implant - subject to oral health) when I talked about ANY of the so far planned procedures being done privately - unless I needed a crown on a front tooth...
I have faith that he would not offer an inferior service due to it being provided NHS.
He (personally) would also have carried out S&P had it been required today... and certainly future 6-9 monthly exams will include it if necessary.
Cost so far £17; the perio will be £47 (for all); this will increase of course to Band 3 if I have a crown that is probably needed for UR7.
I had worried that as I was looking for NHS treatment, I might actually be told (call me cycnical) that I didn't actually have any disease but I am ashamed of myself for having doubt in this case.
He mentioned the Dispatches programme to me - which I did watch but didn't admit to. I would say that this Dentist is very far removed from most of the seemingly dodgy ("gaming"?) ones featured on the programme. The only good thing about the programme for me was that it gave me some way to phrase the questions I needed to ask. I had worried that I may (as per the programme) be told that the budget had "run out" (????).
I now need to wriggle out of the plans with the private dentist.....

boozercruiser

GotToChange wrote: »

Just to update:
I "found" (very easily) a local dentist accepting patients to be treated "on" the NHS - choice of two in my nearest village/small town. I did this after my exam/treatment plan at private only (one dentist) practice - so far having cost me over £200 for perio survey and casts for future implant possibility. Have also joined the practice plan (£13.00/month) - and had 20% deducted from the £200 so far paid. Cost for perio treatment and further survey is £700 plus...
Had an appointment this morning with local practice (newly modernised and extended) with the understanding that I am hoping to be treated the NHS-way. He assessed a level of perio (without the painful survey/cost [£80] - paid privately) and took two X-rays (no panoramic). The plan is for two (2 x quadrants each time) treatments, with local anaesthetic, each to take around half an hour. He told me that I should "save my money" (for my future implant - subject to oral health) when I talked about ANY of the so far planned procedures being done privately - unless I needed a crown on a front tooth...
I have faith that he would not offer an inferior service due to it being provided NHS.
He (personally) would also have carried out S&P had it been required today... and certainly future 6-9 monthly exams will include it if necessary.
Cost so far £17; the perio will be £47 (for all); this will increase of course to Band 3 if I have a crown that is probably needed for UR7.
I had worried that as I was looking for NHS treatment, I might actually be told (call me cycnical) that I didn't actually have any disease but I am ashamed of myself for having doubt in this case.
He mentioned the Dispatches programme to me - which I did watch but didn't admit to. I would say that this Dentist is very far removed from most of the seemingly dodgy ("gaming"?) ones featured on the programme. The only good thing about the programme for me was that it gave me some way to phrase the questions I needed to ask. I had worried that I may (as per the programme) be told that the budget had "run out" (????).
I now need to wriggle out of the plans with the private dentist.....

That is a very nice story.....it is pretty obvious that it is the minority of Dentists who are 'Dodgy'. Some are 'pushed to be 'Dodgy' if they work for the organisations though. Particularly if they are fresh from the Eastern Block.
And no...I am NOT being Racist....it's just the way that it is in my experience at least.:(

After the Channel4 Prog. perhaps this has just GotToChange!:D

By the way...I sent the this Forums link to Mr. Paul Crockford, Denticare Clinical Director and told him that the Channel 4 prog. was on.

If you are looking here Sir.....please join in...that would be very interesting.:)

boozercruiser

Another turn in the Amazon I found on the Tweets.....


Main Category: Headache / Migraine
Also Included In: Dentistry
Article Date: 24 May 2011 - 3:00 PDT





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Current Article Ratings:

Patient / Public:
Healthcare Prof:

If you have a headache, quite often the first port of call is the medicine cabinet for pain relief or a visit to the Doctors. However, if the problem persists it might be something you should mention to your dentist as the persistent cause may lie inside your mouth.

The cause of your headaches could actually be the way your teeth meet when your jaws bite together, otherwise known as dental occlusion. Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a neuromuscular jaw condition caused by an imbalanced bite. When the joint causes pressure to be put on the nerves muscles and blood vessels that pass near the head, the result can be headaches and migraines, a condition that affects one in seven people in the UK.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, believes this information serves as a timely reminder to arrange a visit to the dentist during National Smile Month, which runs until 15 June 2011.

Dr Carter said: "If you suffer from continual headaches or migraines, especially first thing in the morning, pain behind your eyes, sinus pains and pains in the neck or shoulders, you should consider visiting your dentist, as well as a Doctor, as soon as possible.

"Many people have imperfect dental occlusion yet never show symptoms as they adjust to their problem. For those who do suffer, teeth and gums may be affected straight away, and instead of headaches you may encounter broken teeth, fillings, loose teeth and toothache with no apparent cause. If you have any of these problems, visit a dentist immediately."

Depending on the problems you are having, it can be possible to spot the signs of dental malocclusion. Your dentist may be able to help you or may refer you to a specialist who deals with occlusal problems. Your teeth may need to be carefully adjusted to meet evenly, as changing the direction and position of the slopes that guide your teeth together can often help reposition the jaw. If your teeth are too far out of line or in a totally incorrect bite position, it may be necessary to fit a brace to move them into a better position.

As the Temporo-Mandibular Joint needs equal support from both sides of both jaws, the chewing action is designed to work properly only when all your teeth are present and in the correct position. Therefore, missing teeth may need to be replaced either with a partial denture or bridgework.

As with any joint pain, it can help to put less stress on the joint. So a soft diet can be helpful, as can corrective exercises and external heat. Physiotherapy exercises can often help, and your dentist may be able to show some of these to you. As it is such a specialist area within dentistry, your dentist may wish to refer you to an expert.

Source:
British Dental Health Foundation

boozercruiser

And Another turn in the Amazon.
Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 24 May 2011 - 4:00 PD

Current Article Ratings:

Patient / Public:
Healthcare Prof:

The UK's only independent dental helpline is advising the public to get in touch if they are concerned about their rights and costs involved when receiving NHS dental treatment. The advice follows 'Dispatches' investigation into the state of UK dentistry aired on Channel 4 last night.

The Dental Helpline is run by the British Dental Health Foundation - an independent UK charity which offers free and impartial advice on dental issues to the public. The Foundation is concerned that many people will be put off from receiving dental treatment following last night's TV programme, especially in relation to dental charges.

Of particular concern to the Foundation is the confusion, highlighted in the programme, about the services patients can expect from their NHS dentist, their rights and what they will be expected to pay for NHS treatment.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: "Dispatches has highlighted some of the concerns experienced by many people about UK dental care. Whilst some of the programme's content was very disappointing for the image of dentistry, the main loser could be the public if they choose to delay or cancel their treatment because of concerns like charges.

"The good news is that the public can seek advice and help from our free and impartial Dental Helpline. Our team of qualified dental professionals can advise on subjects such as dental terms and treatment procedures, oral hygiene, current UK legislation and regulations, NHS and private dental charges, complaints procedures, and referrals to other organisations.

"We hope the public will take advantage of our helpline service. It is really important that the public trusts and has an excellent relationship with their dentist. Our experience indicates that some of the issues raised in last night's Dispatches are a minority and most patients receive an excellent public service from their dentists. With our help patients can become better informed and more confident to get the best from their dentist and maintain excellent oral health."

For information and free expert advice on oral health issues, including the pricing structure for dentistry throughout the UK, visit here. For the latest guidance on dental charges please visit here.

Source:
British Dental Health Foundation

Oldbiggles

At my local Dentist the NHS cost for a check up is now £17 and usually is all over in about 5 minutes. The fee is supposed to include a scale and polish (if found necessary).
Every time I go, at 6 months intervals, without fail, the dentist suggests that he could make an appointment for me to see the hygienist after pointing out very mild staining at the back of the front teeth. I remind him of the scale and polish agreement and he backs down and carries out the procedure himself.
In days gone by I agreed to go to the hygienist but the stains were never completely removed, so what’s the point?
If you fall for this extra money grabbing ploy every time you go, not only do you end up paying more than is necessary but it also means four appointment a year instead of two.
I don’t know about you but I’ve got more important things to do in my life than sit around in dentist waiting rooms four times a year, and let’s be truthful about this, it usually means waiting quite a while past your appointment time as these people never care about keeping to the time specified and always assume that their time is more valuable than yours.
We are all told that we should get on a dentist’s list, and there are always stories of someone having difficulty in finding one. As a consequence dentists are having a field day with us because it’s a sellers market.
Stand up for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for what you’ve paid for.