Can't afford dental treatment at moment, how long could I leave it?

*thedaughter*

Hello,

Not sure if this is right board. I recently went to the Dentist after a long period of not going. I had to go Private as I wasn't NHS registered. I've had two fillings done about a month ago and need two more. I was wondering how long I could leave it, ideally I'd like to wait until after Christmas as I really can't affford it at the moment but I didn't know if I would be charge a consultation fee ago because of the big gap between treatments. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks

cajef

Discuss it with the dentist, our dentist and I should think most others realise now how expensive treatment is for some people and will usually make appointments to suit, sometimes several months in advance.

TiTheRev

Register yourself as NHS in the meanwhile and get it even cheaper when you get around to affording it later?

Nile

Hello *thedaughter*

I'll move your thread to the 'Health & Beauty' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

yellowrock

try nhs.uk
they have a search facility to pop your postcode in and they will list all nhs dentists in your area
also if you are struggling to pay for nhs treatment if you find an nhs dentist, go into your gp surgery or pharmacy and ask for an HC1 form. If you are on a low income then you can get some or maybe all the cost of the treatment paid for just by filling in the form and sending it off.

good luck

alison999

just because there are nhs dentists in his area doesnt mean that youd be able to get nhs treatment.

in answer to the uestion you would have to call the dental practice and ask what their 'policy' is on this, sometimes at ours, if its just 6-8 weeks later, we can book straight in for treatment but if its any longer then we'd usually book in for a consultation - would you be due another exam by then anyway? also, the treatment that you need may change, you may only need a small/medium filling now but in a few weeks it could turn into a medium/large filling, and depending on your diet and oral health you could need a lot more treatment too.

if you really cant afford it then theres not much you can do, a hc1 form wouldnt help you privately... BUT if you can afford it but will just have to go without treats for a few weeks then id get it done as it could cost more the longer you leave it.

lauzjp

OP - I know how you feel, I really need to go to the dentist, but as hubby and I are on two seperate DMP's, neither of us have the spare cash for the dentist or opticians.

We just have to wait it out (thank goodness for clove oil!), try to put some pennies aside - they all mount up eventually!

Toothsmith

Clove oil will not be doing you any good.

Contact your local PCT - There will be some sort of emergency provision in your area.

If you have to pay, it might only cost about £44 to get at least stable. That's not a huge amount. You'll probably spend that on over-the-counter usless remedies anyway, and then need to pay more when it really goes pear shaped and the only place with a space in the appointment book is the dearest place in the area.

Get it sorted - it won't get cheaper.

yellowrock

Alison 999, Nhs.uk search facility has the ability to state if the practice is taking on new nhs patients and what sort of patients ie: nhs fee exempt, nhs payers or under 18's, and also state if they do emergency urgent access appointments, of which you do not have to be registered to receive nhs treatment.
Also as the HC1 form clearly states ' helps toward the cost of nhs treatment ' I am sure the op would not expect it to help towards the cost of private care.

Op, on the nhs.uk website it also gives the details for the dental enquires number for your local health authority, give them a ring and see if you can get a current list of nhs dentists in your area taking new patients on. Most local health authorities ring around dental practices asking this information at least once a month.

To reiterate about clove oil, it can damage the soft tissues in the mouth and cause quite nasty mouth ulcers/sores, I'd personally keep away from it.

good luck

alison999

yellowrock wrote: »

Alison 999, Nhs.uk search facility has the ability to state if the practice is taking on new nhs patients and what sort of patients ie: nhs fee exempt, nhs payers or under 18's, and also state if they do emergency urgent access appointments, of which you do not have to be registered to receive nhs treatment.
Also as the HC1 form clearly states ' helps toward the cost of nhs treatment ' I am sure the op would not expect it to help towards the cost of private care.

i work at a dental practice and trust me, people do think it entitles them to free treatment, along with every other benefit, even if they are private patients.

also Nhs.uk does not seem to be updated often enough. whenever we stop taking on people still ring and say that it says on this website that we are taking on - when we havent been taking on for more than a week.